PVDF core-free actuator for Braille displays: design, fabrication process, and testing

Thomas Levard; Paul J. Diglio; Sheng-Guo Lu; Lee J. Gorny; Christopher D. Rahn; Q. M. Zhang

doi:10.1117/12.880561

28 March 2011 PVDF core-free actuator for Braille displays: design, fabrication process, and testing

Thomas Levard, Paul J. Diglio, Sheng-Guo Lu, Lee J. Gorny, Christopher D. Rahn, Q. M. Zhang

Proceedings Volume 7976, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2011; 797611 (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.880561
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2011, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Refreshable Braille displays require many, small diameter actuators to move the pins. The electrostrictive P(VDF-TrFECFE) terpolymer can provide the high strain and actuation force under modest electric fields that are required of this application. In this paper, we develop core-free tubular actuators and integrate them into a 3 × 2 Braille cell. The films are solution cast, stretched to 6 μm thick, electroded, laminated into a bilayer, rolled into a 2 mm diameter tube, bonded, and provided with top and bottom contacts. Experimental testing of 17 actuators demonstrates significant strains (up to 4%). A novel Braille cell is designed and fabricated using six of these actuators.

Citation Download Citation

Thomas Levard, Paul J. Diglio, Sheng-Guo Lu, Lee J. Gorny, Christopher D. Rahn, and Q. M. Zhang "PVDF core-free actuator for Braille displays: design, fabrication process, and testing", Proc. SPIE 7976, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2011, 797611 (28 March 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.880561

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