Stretchable and conformable variable stiffness device through an electrorheological fluid

Abstract

. Finally, we show that the VSERF device is capable of conforming to complex surfaces (coral stones, pencils, and 3D printed cubes) in its inactive state, hanging on them with a weight of up to 80 g (19 times of its own weight) in its active state, and detaching when the electric field is removed. The device's short-term and long-term stabilities are experimentally investigated as well. The demonstration of the VSERF's attaching and detaching ability shows that the stiffness-variation device's adaptability to complex environments can be improved.

Topics & Concepts