Additively manufactured micro-lattice dielectrics for multiaxial capacitive sensors.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 39365852.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1126/sciadv.adq8866 and PMC identifier 11451511.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
Soft sensors that can perceive multiaxial forces, such as normal and shear, are of interest for dexterous robotic manipulation and monitoring of human performance. Typical planar fabrication techniques have substantial design constraints that often prohibit the creation of functionally compelling and complex architectures. Moreover, they often require multiple-step operations for production. Here, we use an additive manufacturing process based on continuous liquid interface production to create high-resolution (30-micrometer) three-dimensional elastomeric polyurethane lattices for use as dielectric layers in capacitive sensors. We show that the capacitive responses and sensitivities are highly tunable through designs of lattice type, thickness, and material-void volume percentage. Microcomputed tomography and finite element simulation are used to elucidate the influence of lattice design on the deformation mechanism and concomitant sensing behavior. The advantage of three-dimensional printing is exhibited with examples of fully printed representative athletic equipment with integrated sensors.