Title :
An electrowetting based microgripper
Author :
Vasudev, Abhay ; Zhe, Jiang
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Mech. Eng., Univ. of Akron, Akron, OH
Abstract :
In this paper, we present a novel capillary microgripper that can pick up and release micro objects simply by electrowetting. Electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD), a phenomenon which uses electrical potential to manipulate the surface tension of a liquid droplet is utilized to control the lifting forces. A coplanar interdigitated gold electrode was employed to simplify the micromachining. The design, micromachining and the experimental characterization of the microgripper are presented.
Keywords :
electric potential; grippers; micromachining; micromanipulators; capillary microgripper; coplanar interdigitated gold electrode; electrical potential; electrowetting on dielectric; liquid droplet; micro objects; micromachining; surface tension; Adhesives; Assembly; Bridge circuits; Electric potential; Force control; Geometry; Grippers; Mechanical engineering; Micromachining; Surface tension;
Conference_Titel :
Circuits and Systems, 2008. MWSCAS 2008. 51st Midwest Symposium on
Conference_Location :
Knoxville, TN
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-2166-4
Electronic_ISBN :
1548-3746
DOI :
10.1109/MWSCAS.2008.4616733
