loading page

Supporting Information for "A Collapsible Soft Actuator Facilitates Performance in Constrained Environments"
  • +6
  • Jacob Rogatinsky,
  • Kiran Gomatam,
  • Zi Heng Lim,
  • Megan Lee,
  • Lorenzo Kinnicutt,
  • Christian Duriez,
  • Perry Thomson,
  • Kevin McDonald,
  • Tommaso Ranzani
Jacob Rogatinsky

Corresponding Author:jrogat@bu.edu

Author Profile
Kiran Gomatam
Zi Heng Lim
Megan Lee
Lorenzo Kinnicutt
Christian Duriez
Perry Thomson
Kevin McDonald
Tommaso Ranzani
Author Profile

Abstract

Complex environments, such as those found in surgical and search-and-rescue applications, require soft devices to adapt to minimal space conditions without sacrificing the ability to complete dexterous tasks. Stacked Balloon Actuators (SBAs) are capable of large deformations despite folding nearly flat when deflated, making them ideal candidates for such applications. This paper presents the design, fabrication, modeling, and characterization of monolithic, inflatable, soft SBAs. Modeling is presented using analytical principles based on geometry, and then using conventional and real-time finite element methods. Both one and three degree-of-freedom (DoF) SBAs are fully characterized with regards to stroke, force, and workspace.  Finally, three representative demonstrations show the SBA's small-aperture navigation, bracing, and workspace-enhancing capabilities.
27 May 2022Submitted to AISY Supporting Information
27 May 2022Published in AISY Supporting Information