Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
50
µ
m
25 um
FIGURE 9.32
A photograph of a manufactured, micron-scale IPMNC that can be used for
MEMS applications (top). Assembly of microstrips of IPPC cut in a laser-microscope work
station for microsensing and microactuation (bottom).
muscle to provide feedback for gripper closure. A variety of experiments must be
performed to determine the best shape for the muscles to achieve grasping variously
sized objects from about 10 to 100
m. One can vary the number of fingers on the
microgripper as well as the artificial muscles sensors attached to the mechanism as
shown in figure 9.34.
µ
9.2.10
E
LECTROMECHANICAL
R
ELAY
S
WITCHES
Nonmagnetic, self-contained, electromechanical relay switches can be made from
IPMNCs by utilizing their good conductivity and bending characteristics in small
applied voltages to close a circuit. In this manner, several of these IPMNC actuators
can be arranged to make a multipole-multithrow relay switch.
9.2.11
C
ONTINUOUS
V
ARIABLE
A
PERTURE
M
IRRORS
AND
A
NTENNA
D
ISHES
Continuous variable aperture mirrors and antenna dishes can be made by cutting
circular sections of the IPMNC and placing electrodes at strategic locations. The
