Step 4: Connect Active Areas to Leads

The last step involves connecting the active areas to the copper tape attached in the previous step.

• Using the remaining carbon grease, draw a line of carbon grease from one active area to a strip of copper tape.
• Connect the active area to the strip which is connected to the same side of the membrane.
• The carbon grease does not need to fully cover the copper tape, but a generous contact area will guarantee good conductivity.

• Flip the actuator over and paint a line from the active area to the copper strip attached on this side.

Bibliography

Keplinger et al. (2012) Harnessing snap-through instability in soft dielectrics to achieve giant voltage-triggered deformation.

Keplinger et al. (2013) Stretchable, transparent, ionic conductors.

Koh et al. (2009) Maximal energy that can be converted by a dielectric elastomer generator.

Wissler and Mazza (2007) Mechanical behavior of an acrylic elastomer used in dielectric elastomer actuators.

Pelrine et al. (2001) Dielectric elastomers: generator mode fundamentals and applications.

Pelrine et al. (2000) High-Speed Electrically Actuated Elastomers with Strain Greater Than 100%.

Röntgen WC. (1880) Ueber die durch Electricität bewirkten Form—und Volumenänderungen von dielectrischen Körpern.

Suo, Zhigang (2010) Theory of dielectric elastomers.

Contributors

Philipp Rothemund