ROMJIST Volume 21, No. 2, 2018, pp. 139-150
O. G. DONTU , A. BARBILIAN, C. FLOREA , I. LASCAR, L. DOBRESCU , I. SEBE , R. SCARLET, C. MIHAILA , C. MOLDOVAN , M. PANTAZICA , D. BESNEA, B. GRAMESCU, D. DOBRESCU, V. LAZO, B. FIRTAT, and A. EDU Mechatronic Finger Structure with Pressure-Sensitive Conductive Layer
ABSTRACT: In this paper a unified approach of a mechatronic hand enriched with a pressure sensitive layer is analyzed. New developments of advanced applications regarding the additive manufacturing (AM) have been investigated and implemented. The analyze starts with a finger physical implementation, using 3-D printing technology. Digital Light Processing (DLP) is the 3-D printing selected process for finger structure manufacture. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is another additive process used for outer protective layer and for its mold manufacture. A pressure-sensitive layer of Velostat is inserted between the outer protective layer and the finger structure. The paper presents a simple and efficient prototype of a finger, using a cheap and sufficient accurate solution based on new materials. The finger manufacturing process begins with the design of three-dimensional model for the mold without any supplementary equipment and classic technologies. Starting from a finger mechanical structure with its three phalanges, it is developed by adding a pressure sensitive layer of Velostat, towards a future desired artificial skin. Its electrical properties recommend it as a first layer that covers the printed finger structure. Another outer protective layer is also added. This finger structure will be integrated in a designed hand system.KEYWORDS: Mechatronic system, artificial finger, pressure-sensitive layer, 3D printing, Digital Light Processing, Fused Deposition ModelingRead full text (pdf)