Electroadhesive Technologies for Prosthesis Applications

Abstract

Prostheses currently in research, commercial, and patent literature currently lack the performance capabilities required to efficiently carry out daily tasks. The underlying cause of this is the reduced functionality of many conventional transmissions when scaled down to fit in a prosthesis. Electroadhesives have promise to be a great substitution form many components in transmissions including locking and clutching mechanisms. This project researched state of the art electroadhesive designs as well as their optimization and implementation. Specifically, to determine what materials and electrode geometries achieve our desired functionality as well as optimizing these components parametrically. This research alongside other design drivers informed the design of an electroadhesive device that is to be implemented into a prosthesis.