Sensors and Actuators A-physical最新文献

{"title":"Extension-type flexible pneumatic actuator with a large extension force using a cross-link mechanism based on pantographs","authors":"So Shimooka ,&nbsp;Kazuma Tadachi ,&nbsp;Tetsushi Kamegawa","doi":"10.1016/j.sna.2025.116594","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sna.2025.116594","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, we propose an extension-type flexible pneumatic actuator (EFPA) with a high extension force and no buckling. In a previous study, soft actuators that extended in the axial direction by applying a supply pressure were unable to generate the extension’s pushing force because the actuators buckled owing to their high flexibility. To generate a pushing force, the circumferential stiffness of an extension-type flexible soft actuator must be reinforced. Therefore, a cross-linked EFPA (CL-EFPA) was developed, inspired by a pantograph that restrains the EFPA three-dimensionally using the proposed link mechanism. The proposed CL-EFPA consists of three EFPAs and a cross-linking mechanism for integrating each EFPA circumference. The pushing force of the CL-EFPA is approximately 3.0 times compared with that generated by the previous EFPA with plates to restrain its plane. To perform various bending motions, attitude control was performed using an analytical model and a system that included valves, sensors, and controllers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21689,"journal":{"name":"Sensors and Actuators A-physical","volume":"390 ","pages":"Article 116594"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143869276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acoustic energy harvesting: Innovations in harvesters, efficiency enhancement techniques, and future applications","authors":"Pengfei Fan ,&nbsp;Yuli Zhang ,&nbsp;Xinheng Wang ,&nbsp;Ruiyuan Jiang ,&nbsp;Dongyao Jia ,&nbsp;Shangbo Wang ,&nbsp;Xinzhe Wang ,&nbsp;Hanwen Tai","doi":"10.1016/j.sna.2025.116584","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sna.2025.116584","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Acoustic energy harvesting is a sustainable approach to capturing sound energy from noisy environments like airports and roads. Although promising, current systems produce limited power, making improved acoustic-to-electric conversion efficiency through advanced materials and designs a key objective. To address needs such as small device power, noise management, and environmental monitoring, harvesters increasingly integrate with next-generation sensors, providing low-power, renewable energy for sensor nodes and distributed monitoring. In these setups, harvested energy can drive miniaturised electronics, including self-powered sensors for data collection, environmental monitoring, and IoT applications. Furthermore, if noise reduction is required, the harvesters can pair with noise abatement technology, reducing unwanted sound while recovering energy, thus broadening sensor use. One potential route involves employing meta-materials and optimised transducer architectures to capture a broader range of acoustic frequencies, enabling better performance in acoustically rich environments such as urban centres. Meanwhile, advanced signal processing can help harvesters adapt to fluctuating sound sources and enhance power output. This paper consolidates notable research on boosting acoustic-to-electric efficiency, focusing on piezoelectric materials, resonant structures, and acoustic-electrical mechanisms. Given both sensor demands and technological hurdles, it explores design constraints and emerging opportunities, highlighting potential applications in distributed energy networks, smart city initiatives, and ecological protection, offering insights for future research to advance the field. This study fosters deeper integration of acoustic energy harvesting within sensor infrastructures. Effective synergy between acoustic energy harvesting and sensing technology may promote broader deployment of sustainable energy solutions and multi-scenario sensor networks. Researchers can navigate design trade-offs and new materials, paving the way for practical solutions that balance efficiency and sustainability. As development continues, interdisciplinary efforts involving materials science, acoustics, electronics, and systems engineering will be essential to fully realize acoustic energy harvesting’s potential in real-world usage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21689,"journal":{"name":"Sensors and Actuators A-physical","volume":"390 ","pages":"Article 116584"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143863898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Resonance frequency measurement for space accelerometer","authors":"Didier Chérubin Negretto ,&nbsp;Jan ten Pierick ,&nbsp;Luigi Ferraioli ,&nbsp;Daniel Bieri ,&nbsp;Pierrick Cheiney ,&nbsp;Olivier Jolly ,&nbsp;Domenico Giardini","doi":"10.1016/j.sna.2025.116587","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sna.2025.116587","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Resonance frequency measurements are used for various applications: atomic force microscopes, mass detection, biochemical and inertial sensors. In this article a detailed analysis of the performances of a resonance frequency measurement method are presented and demonstrated using a space grade accelerometer. The method consists of replacing the feedback of the oscillator with a controller that drives the sensor’s input, acquires the sensor’s output, determines the phase shift between the sensor’s input and output, converts it to a resonance frequency measurement and adjusts the drive signal’s frequency. The innovative phase to frequency conversion model used ensures a fast convergence of the drive signal towards the resonance frequency. The maximum measured relative error while searching for the resonance frequency is of 0.04 [%]. The tracking of the resonance frequency shows no oscillations or overshoots because the resonance frequency is exactly measured. The achieved measurement noise floor for the specific sensor used is <span><math><mrow><mn>0</mn><mo>.</mo><mn>13</mn></mrow></math></span> [<span><math><mrow><mi>m</mi><mi>H</mi><mi>z</mi><mo>/</mo><msqrt><mi>H</mi><mi>z</mi></msqrt></mrow></math></span>] at <span><math><mrow><mn>1</mn><mspace></mspace><mfenced><mrow><mi>H</mi><mi>z</mi></mrow></mfenced></mrow></math></span>. The measurement method presented can be exploited for other applications which also rely on the measurement of the resonance frequency of a piezo-electric resonator.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21689,"journal":{"name":"Sensors and Actuators A-physical","volume":"390 ","pages":"Article 116587"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143863897","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A polymer gel-gated flexible transistor based on chitosan physically cross-linked films for hydrogen sulfide gas sensing","authors":"Jianan Zhang ,&nbsp;Jian Yang ,&nbsp;Ruiliang Zhou ,&nbsp;Hailong Liu ,&nbsp;Yu Chang ,&nbsp;Ivan S. Babichuk","doi":"10.1016/j.sna.2025.116593","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sna.2025.116593","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A flexible field-effect transistor with a chitosan ion gel-gate design was developed as a gas sensor, utilizing chitosan, 1,3-propanediol, and graphene to detect and eliminate hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). Adding 1,3-propanediol after the complete dissolution of chitosan in acetic acid yielded a novel, physically cross-linked chitosan conductive polymer gel. Due to the presence of −OH groups in 1,3-propanediol, gelation occurs through an increase in the degree of hydrogen bonding between the polymer chains and 1,3-propanediol, forming a rubbery network. The increase in the hydrogen bonding network, as shown in the FTIR spectra, not only enhances the mechanical strength of the polymer gel but also promotes proton conduction through proton hopping (Grotthuss mechanism), thereby enhancing electrical conductivity. The optimum conductivity of the film is depicted at a 5 % (v/v) concentration of 1,3-propanediol. The chitosan physically cross-linked films exhibited the best sensing performance at a 0.5 ppm H₂S concentration. The gas sensor sensitivity, response and recovery time of chitosan film are 3.87 %, 23 s, and 17 s, respectively. Additionally, the ion gels were successfully applied to organic thin-film transistors as highly capacitive gate dielectrics. The flexible chitosan ion gel-gated transistors with graphene have carrier mobilities as high as µ_hole = −9400 cm²V⁻¹s⁻¹. The sensitivity of this gel-gated transistor is 42.96 mV/ppm for various H₂S concentrations, ranging from 10 ppm to 0.5 ppm.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21689,"journal":{"name":"Sensors and Actuators A-physical","volume":"390 ","pages":"Article 116593"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143848621","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multifunctional neural probe for synchronized monitoring multiple brain signals","authors":"Jiawei Cao ,&nbsp;Longchun Wang ,&nbsp;Kejun Tu ,&nbsp;Qingda Xu ,&nbsp;Mengfei Xu ,&nbsp;Haoyuan Chen ,&nbsp;Xiaolin Wang ,&nbsp;Bin Yang ,&nbsp;Jingquan Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.sna.2025.116572","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sna.2025.116572","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In recent years, understanding complex neural networks has been recognized as a significant challenge in neuroscience, especially in developing advanced technologies that can effectively monitor and regulate neural activity, which places greater demands on in situ multi-type neural signal acquisition and stimulation in the brain. However, conventional neural interfaces struggle to acquire multi-modal, multi-channel, and high spatial resolution physiological signals or perform stimulation simultaneously. In this paper, a highly integrated multifunctional neural probe (MFNP) combining electrophysiological recording, optogenetic stimulation, and chemical detection functions is developed for precise monitoring of brain signals. The optogenetic stimulation was realized by integrating on-chip laser diode to a silicon nitride optical waveguide, and Iridium oxide (IrO_x) microelectrodes obtained outstanding electrophysiological recording and neurostimulation properties. Moreover, by incorporating the Ag/AgCl reference electrode into the probe, the size of implants was greatly reduced, minimizing the risk of damage to brain tissue, and achieving a long-term, stable, high-resolution pH sensing capability with the IrO_x film. Finally, the probe's effectiveness in acquiring spontaneous action potentials and local field potentials was verified by in vivo experiments in the hippocampal region of mice, showing its potential in signal acquisition and stimulation. The findings suggest that the developed neural probe shows significant potential for application in neural circuit research and clinical treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21689,"journal":{"name":"Sensors and Actuators A-physical","volume":"390 ","pages":"Article 116572"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143873818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Air-driven spiral scaffold mechanism for a group of mini-robots working together in the intestine","authors":"Towa Tanada ,&nbsp;Noriko Tsuruoka ,&nbsp;Mitsuhiro Fujishiro ,&nbsp;Yosuke Tsuji ,&nbsp;Fumihito Arai ,&nbsp;Takeshi Yamaguchi ,&nbsp;Toshiaki Nishi ,&nbsp;Yoichi Haga","doi":"10.1016/j.sna.2025.116557","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sna.2025.116557","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We develop a scaffold to set a group of mini-robots, which can increase safety and reduce the difficulty of flexible endoscopic surgery. Performing manipulation including endoscopic inspection and ESD (Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection) in the colon (large intestine) is challenging. To solve these problems, we propose a group of mini-robots that can assist in endoscopic manipulation. Furthermore, we propose a scaffold on which the mini-robots can be installed on. The scaffold is air-driven and is an elastic body that is developed from a silicone sheet to enable safe installation in the colon. Furthermore, its shape is spiral to prevent inner pressure increase in the colon by blocking inner lumen and allow freedom of placement for the mini-robots. The scaffold that has electrical wirings can provide power supply and communication with operators. To improve scaffold friction on the colonic wall, a mesh sheet is attached to the scaffold. Furthermore, we proposed to embed a super elastic alloy wire into the scaffold to improve the reproducible expansion of the scaffold and evaluated its effect with a hydrogel-made colon model. “Anchoring force,” which is a tolerating force over a semilunar fold against the pulling force when the scaffold is pulled by traction is measured and compared. Expansion success rates are evaluated when the scaffolds are installed and inflated in the colon model. In conclusion, the scaffold with a mesh sheet has much greater anchoring force than that without a mesh sheet.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21689,"journal":{"name":"Sensors and Actuators A-physical","volume":"390 ","pages":"Article 116557"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143863892","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The deep ultraviolet detector based on BN/Au and BN/Al interfaces","authors":"Jiandong Hao ,&nbsp;Ling Li ,&nbsp;Tingwei Yan ,&nbsp;Jinchang Meng ,&nbsp;Zhenxing Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.sna.2025.116590","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sna.2025.116590","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Boron nitride (BN) is suitable for ultraviolet (UV) photodetection with its wide bandgap and high absorption coefficient. The research on fabrication process and performance optimization is urgent with the development of UV detection technology. In this work, the band structure, work function, charge distribution and transfer, and optical absorption coefficients of BN/Au and BN/Al interfaces are calculated based on the density functional theory. The results show that the BN monolayer gets more charges with the influence of Au. The charge transfer is 0.025e and 0.015e for BN/Au and BN/Al. The absorption coefficients of BN/Au is higher than that of BN/Al in the DUV region, which enhances the light absorption of BN. In addition, BN/Au and BN/Al DUV detector is fabricated by dry transfer method. The highest photo-dark current ratio (PDCR) of 115.04 and 29.09 are obtained for BN/Au and BN/Al at an optical power density of 1.21 mW/cm² (<em>V</em>_bias=10 V). The responsivity (R) and detectivity (D*) is up to 0.70μA/W and 1.55 × 10⁸Jones for the BN/Au. The rise and fall times (T_r/T_f) are 0.12 s and 0.11 s, respectively. The DUV detector is fabricated with easy process, low cost and fast response. This provides theoretical support and technical reference for the next generation of high-performance devices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21689,"journal":{"name":"Sensors and Actuators A-physical","volume":"389 ","pages":"Article 116590"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143838112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optoelectronic characteristics of solution processed NiO/CdS/ITO photodetector for dual-wavelength detection","authors":"Ethar Yahya Salih ,&nbsp;Shahad Imad Hasan ,&nbsp;Enas Dhiyya SalahAlden ,&nbsp;Mustafa K.A. Mohammed","doi":"10.1016/j.sna.2025.116560","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sna.2025.116560","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Broad-band self-powered NiO/CdS/ITO photodetector was fabricated via solution processed framework. The structural and optical features of the deposited layers were systematically investigated in relation to their photo-responsive device analysis. In particular, the optical bandgap exhibited values of 3.48 and 2.45 eV corresponded to the deposited NiO and CdS layers, respectively. In conjunction, the attained photocurrent revealed a well-oriented wavelength dependency with values of 0.59 and 0.25 mA at incident wavelengths of 375 and 500 nm, respectively, around which lower trend was noticed. In the meanwhile, the proposed geometry demonstrated linear correlation (R² = ∼0.99) between the attained photocurrent along the applied illumination power with photo-responsivity values of 44.8 and 64.67 mA/W at 6 and 14 mW/cm², respectively. Finally, the time-resolved property exhibited response/recovery time-related features with values of 231/244 and 250/380 ms. at incident wavelengths of 375 and 500 nm, respectively. In addition to the robustness and reliability of the fabricated geometry, the presented device might represent an alternative framework for relatively straight-forward optoelectronic design.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21689,"journal":{"name":"Sensors and Actuators A-physical","volume":"390 ","pages":"Article 116560"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143844141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative analysis of 3D printed and cast conductive rubber for enhanced tactile sensing applications","authors":"Jirapat Puangkunya ,&nbsp;Sasitorn Srisawadi ,&nbsp;Teeranoot Chanthasopeephan","doi":"10.1016/j.sna.2025.116585","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sna.2025.116585","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the development of conductive natural rubber for use in tactile sensors, with a particular focus on comparing two fabrication techniques: 3D-printed conductive rubber and cast conductive rubber. The 3D-printed conductive rubber is made using natural rubber mixed with carbon black as the conductive agent. This additive manufacturing process constructs the material layer by layer, ensuring a more uniform distribution of carbon black throughout the structure. In contrast, the casting technique, which is a conventional method, involves allowing the conductive rubber mixture to cure over time. During this process, carbon black particles often settle at the bottom of the mold, resulting in a non-uniform distribution of the conductive agent. These differences in fabrication methods significantly affect the properties and performance of the tactile sensors produced. By analyzing the outcomes of both techniques, this study aims to provide valuable insights for optimizing fabrication processes, ultimately enhancing sensor functionality and reliability for future applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21689,"journal":{"name":"Sensors and Actuators A-physical","volume":"390 ","pages":"Article 116585"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143848622","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Actuators and variable stiffness of flexible surgical actuators: A review","authors":"Kairui Wang ,&nbsp;Lingwen Sun ,&nbsp;Zhihao Liu ,&nbsp;Nannan Sun ,&nbsp;Jiyong Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.sna.2025.116588","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sna.2025.116588","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Flexible surgical robots have gained attention for their ability to perform minimally invasive interventions on lesions in confined areas within the human body through a single port, marking a significant step towards the goal of non-invasive surgery. However, the narrow and tortuous human cavities impose higher demands on the compliance, operational precision, and force output of the actuators. Therefore, designing actuators with variable stiff capabilities is particularly crucial. Since the coordination between actuators and variable stiffness design is not a simple universal or direct correspondence but involves complex interplay, it is essential to delve into their mechanisms and integration schemes. This paper focuses on the progress of research in flexible surgical actuators over the past decade, first discussing the actuation principles and latest designs of various types of actuators. It then reviews the mechanisms of variable stiffness, analyzing the performance characteristics of different mechanisms in terms of stiffness adjustment range, response time, and space occupation. Finally, it summarizes and analyzes the integration schemes of actuators and variable stiffness approaches and points out that composite variable stiffness actuators will be a key direction for future development in this field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21689,"journal":{"name":"Sensors and Actuators A-physical","volume":"390 ","pages":"Article 116588"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143850199","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}