Design of a normally open electrothermal microgripper driven by a Chevron Micro Actuator

Abstract

This paper focuses on the design of a normally open micro-gripper, based on flexible arrangements, driven by a chevron actuator. To not generate a high temperature in their jaws, and thereby increase the potential of its use, for its operation, a 2 V power supply is used, reaching a maximum temperature of 112 ° C, at one of the anchors of the chevron actuator, a maximum temperature on the tips of the jaws of 89.5 ° C. The total displacement between the jaws of the microgripper, with the maximum voltage applied, is 20 μm, which allows to hold microobjects within a range of dimensions between 161 μm and 181 μm. At this voltage value, the reaction force at the tip of the jaws is 343.84 μN, making possible the holding of objects weighing no more than 33.14 μg.