Amanda Nozaki
Mechanical Engineer & Art Ext. Student
EAP & Silicone Research
CBEMS 199, Spring 2014
Electroactive Polymers (EAP's) are materials that deform when a voltage is applied to them. From delivery channel flaps to artificial muscles, EAP's are being considered for a multitude of biomedical applications.
I conducted my research under Dr. Lawrence Kulinsky and Professor Madou as well as collaborated with Ben Dolan & Ed Tackett to create the silicone pouch. See the links below to check out their respective websites and services.
During this course, I was able to learn about how ionic polymer metal composites (IPMC's) are deposited as well as other forms of actuation such as a silicone pouch to create a cheek puffing function.
A huge thank you to Ben and Ed from Rapidtech who allowed me to use their facilities to create a prototype as well as the pouch itself.
Made a smaller inflateable pouch by printing the mold/core and then pour/curing the silicone pouch. Then a hose with an air plunger was attached to the prototype to see how far the pouch could expand with a 1/8" thickness.
Model of the mold for the inner side of the cheek that attaches to hose
Silicone pouch installed in cavity of mannequin head (Hole was bored in the center of the head so as to allow hose to travel to plunger without external visual).
Made a smaller inflateable pouch by printing the mold/core and then pour/curing the silicone pouch. Then a hose with an air plunger was attached to the prototype to see how far the pouch could expand with a 1/8" thickness.