HASEL actuators from Artimus Robotics offer an innovative and novel actuation mechanism for valves. Typical electric valves use either solenoid or piezoelectric actuators to switch the valve between an open and closed state. Solenoid-actuated valves require a constant supply of current while in the open state, leading to excess power consumption and generation of significant waste heat (high surface temperatures) that must be managed in the valve application. Piezoelectric actuators have low actuation strain and force which limits the fluid pressure and flow that can be controlled by the valve. In contrast, HASEL actuators consume little to no power while holding a position, have high actuation strain (up to 100%) for high-flow valves, and generate forces on the order of 10 N or more.
HASEL actuators are capacitive and consume power only when changing actuation states, so power consumption is low when holding the valve in the open or closed state. Because they rely on electrostatic forces, HASEL actuators require very low current for operation, resulting in low-power valves or very efficient valves. In contrast with piezoelectric valves, HASEL actuators in valves can provide control at higher fluid pressure and flow rates, allowing for high-pressure valves and high-flow valves. Additional benefits of using HASEL actuators in valves include analog control (for proportional valves), a non-metal actuation mechanism, and no generation of electromagnetic fields during actuation. Since HASEL actuators are silent, any valve powered by a HASEL actuator will generate less noise during operation, resulting in a quiet valve. Finally, HASEL actuators are capable of self-sensing position, which could eliminate the need for additional sensors to monitor valve position for intelligent valves (smart valves).
Relative to traditional piezo or solenoid valves, HASEL actuators from Artimus Robotics can potentially offer:
High-pressure valves
High-flow valves
Quiet valves
Low-power valves (efficient valves)
Intelligent valves (smart valves)
Proportional valves (analog valves)
Low-temperature valves (low surface temperature - no waste heat)
Want to learn more about HASEL actuators for valve applications? Contact Artimus Robotics at info@artimusrobotics.com.
About Artimus Robotics
Artimus Robotics designs and manufactures soft electric actuators. The technology was inspired by nature (muscles) and spun out of the University of Colorado. HASEL (Hydraulically Amplified Self-healing ELectrostatic) actuator technology operates when electrostatic forces are applied to a flexible polymer pouch and dielectric liquid to drive shape change in a soft structure. These principles can be applied to achieve a contracting motion, expanding motion, or other complex deformations. For more information, please visit Artimus Robotics or contact info@artimusrobotics.com.
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