Grasping Micromanipulator Constructed from Piezoelectric Polymer Threads

摘要

The primary objective of the project was to demonstrate the technical feasibility of using electrically stimulated piezoelectric polymers as the working elements of a grasping micromanipulator assembly. A secondary objective was to support the conclusions and direct observations with appropriate mathematical models. The project was unique in that it used manually variable direct current fields to adjust the displacement of the tips of the elements and employed an assembly of two biomorphs to create a grasping effect. The studies demonstrated that it is possible to construct very small, reliable, and inexpensive grasping micromanipulators without having to resort to conventional mechanical techniques.