Fiber-Reinforced Equibiaxial Dielectric Elastomer Actuator for Out-of-Plane Displacement.

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) have gained significant attention due to their potential in soft robotics and adaptive structures. However, their performance is often limited by their in-plane strain distribution and limited mechanical stability. We introduce a novel design utilizing fiber reinforcement to address these challenges.

Prototyping and Experimental Analysis of Active Offloading Footwear for Patients With Diabetes Using an Array of Magnetorheological Fluid-Based Modules.

Background: Diabetic foot ulceration is a serious challenge worldwide which imposes an immense risk of lower extremity amputation and in many cases may lead to the death. The presented work focuses on the offloading requirements using an active approach and considers the use of magnetorheological fluid-based modules to redistribute high plantar pressures (PPs).

Methods & Results: Experimentation validated a single module with a threshold peak pressure of 450 kPa, whereas an offloading test with a three-module array and complete footwear validated a maximum pressure reduction of 42.

Novel para-aortic cardiac assistance using a pre-stretched dielectric elastomer actuator.

Objectives: We propose an evolution of a dielectric elastomer actuator-based cardiac assist device that acts as a counterpulsation system. We introduce a new pre-stretched actuator and implant the device in a graft bypass between the ascending and descending aorta to redirect all blood through the device (ascending aorta clamped). The objective was to evaluate the influence of these changes on the assistance provided to the heart.

Dielectric Elastomer Actuator-Based Valveless Impedance-Driven Pumping for Meso- and Macroscale Applications.

Impedance pumps are simple designs that allow the generation or amplification of flow. They are fluid-filled systems based on flexible tubing connected to tubing with different impedances. A periodic off-center compression of the flexible tubing causes the fluid to move and generate flow.

Hemodynamic effects of a dielectric elastomer augmented aorta on aortic wave intensity: An in-vivo study.

Dielectric elastomer actuator augmented aorta (DEA) represents a novel approach with high potential for assisting a failing heart. The soft tubular device replaces a section of the aorta and increases its diameter when activated. The hemodynamic interaction between the DEA and the left ventricle (LV) has not been investigated with wave intensity (WI) analysis before.

Intelligent plantar pressure offloading for the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers and amputations.

The high prevalence of lower extremity ulceration and amputation in people with diabetes is strongly linked to difficulties in achieving and maintaining a reduction of high plantar pressures (PPs) which remains an important risk factor. The effectiveness of current offloading footwear is opposed in part by poor patient adherence to these interventions which have an impact on everyday living activities of patients. Moreover, the offloading devices currently available utilize primarily passive techniques, whereas PP distribution is a dynamically changing process with frequent shifts of high PP areas under different areas of the foot.

A novel soft cardiac assist device based on a dielectric elastomer augmented aorta: An in vivo study.

Although heart transplant is the preferred solution for patients suffering from heart failures, cardiac assist devices remain key substitute therapies. Among them, aortic augmentation using dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) might be an alternative technological application for the future. The electrically driven actuator does not require bulky pneumatic elements (such as conventional intra-aortic balloon pumps) and conforms tightly to the aorta thanks to the manufacturing method presented here.

Evaluation of dielectric elastomers to develop materials suitable for actuation.

Electroactive polymers based on dielectric elastomers are stretchable and compressible capacitors that can act as transducers between electrical and mechanical energies. Depending on the targeted application, soft actuators, sensors or mechanical-energy harvesters can be developed. Compared with conventional technologies, they present a promising combination of properties such as being soft, silent, light and miniaturizable.

Feasibility of a Dielectric Elastomer Augmented Aorta.

Although heart transplantation is a gold standard for severe heart failure, there is a need for alternative effective therapies. A dielectric-elastomer aorta is used to augment the physiological role of the aorta in the human circulatory system. To this end, the authors developed a tubular dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) able to assist the heart by easing the deformation of the aorta in the systole and by increasing its recoil force in the diastole.

An autonomous untethered fast soft robotic insect driven by low-voltage dielectric elastomer actuators.

Insects are a constant source of inspiration for roboticists. Their compliant bodies allow them to squeeze through small openings and be highly resilient to impacts. However, making subgram autonomous soft robots untethered and capable of responding intelligently to the environment is a long-standing challenge.

[Intelligent footwear for diabetic patients].

The incidence of diabetic foot ulcerations and lower extremity amputations remains very high and inacceptable. The high risk of ulceration and consequent amputation is strongly related to difficulties to obtain foot off-loading, particularly on long term. Due to the complexity of their utilization, the available foot off-loading devices are underused both by health care providers and patients with very low therapeutic adherence.