Miniaturization associated aspects of liquid-gas phase change actuators and their use as a phase change pump

Description

Miniaturization of phase change actuators (PCAs) has been widely recognized as a promising approach for advancing soft robotics and wearable technologies. However, the comparative performance
of scaled-down PCAs remains largely unexplored. In this study, we systematically examine the effects of miniaturization on PCA performance in a range of sizes relevant to wearable applications - from
7 to 28 mm diameter. Various working fluids and heating power configurations are analyzed under the assumption that both power input and actuation force should scale proportionally with liquid
volume and surface area. This assumption stems from the idea that halving the surface area and volume of a PCA requires using two smaller actuators, each producing half the force of the original
device with half of its power, to achieve equivalent performance. Our findings provide insights into response time, force generation, and mechanical output, enabling a direct comparison between
conventional and miniaturized PCAs. Based on these results, we propose a novel application of PCAs as compact and lightweight pumps for soft robotic systems. Additionally, we demonstrate the
feasibility of using our prototype in untethered McKibben muscles and worm-like robots, showcasing its potential for wearable and adaptive actuation. This study lays the foundation for further
optimization of liquid-gas phase change actuators, fostering their integration into next-generation robotic and assistive technologies.

Period	10 Jun 2025 → 12 Jun 2025
Event title	EuroEAP 2025: 13th International Conference on Soft Transducers and Electromechanically Active Polymers
Event type	Conference
Location	Linz, AustriaShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International