Evaluating MEMS Micro-Gripper's Precision in Micro-Object Manipulation

A MEMS Micro-Gripper 

MEMS microgrippers offer exceptional adaptability and versatility across various engineering fields, including micromanipulation tasks and micro-assemblies. These integrated grippers undergo multiphysics analyses to explore their mechanical manipulation capabilities under low power consumption.

The micro-gripper under examination (seen in Figure 1) features two gripping tips connected to U-shaped actuators. Designed to securely hold micro-objects, this device deflects its arms when subjected to a DC voltage. Through detailed analysis, researchers aim to unravel the mechanisms driving the microgripper's functionality and its potential applications in precision engineering.

The studied micro-gripper holdding a ball between its both tips [1]

Figure 1 - The studied micro-gripper holding a ball between both tips [1]

CAD Model

The micro-gripper's performance is modeled using the EMS finite element tool to estimate its displacement and temperature distribution. The schematic illustration and 3D model are depicted in Figure 2.

Schematic illustration of the micro-gripper [1] a). 3D Model b).

Figure 2 -  Schematic illustration of the micro-gripper [1] a). 3D Model b).

Table 1 - Model dimensions [1]

ParameterSymbolValue (mm)
Length of the hot arm
Width of the hot arm
Thickness of the hot arm
Lh
2ah
2bh
4.5
0.21
0.21
Length of the intermediate arm
Width of the intermediate arm
Thickness of the intermediate arm
Li
2ai
2bi
0.8
0.27
0.25
Length of the cold arm
Width of the cold arm
Thickness of the cold arm
Lc
2ac
2bc
3
0.9
0.63
Length of the flexure arm
Width of the flexure arm
Thickness of the flexure arm
Lf
2af
2bf
1.5
0.35
0.3
Total lengthL9
Initial gapg1

Simulation Setup

The Magnetostatic module of EMS, integrated with thermal and structural analysis, accurately predicts and evaluates the thermal and mechanical characteristics of the microgripper.

The simulation setup involves several key steps:

1. Material selection: Choosing suitable materials for the microgripper components.

2. Electromagnetic input definition: Defining parameters related to electromagnetic properties.

3. Thermal input definition: Specifying thermal properties and boundary conditions.

4. Structural boundary conditions application: Implementing constraints to simulate real-world operating conditions.

5. Mesh generation and solver execution: Creating a mesh for the entire model and running the solver to obtain results.

Materials

In our case study, we utilize the material properties listed in Table 2 to characterize the materials employed in the microgripper design.

Table 2 - Silver-Nickel composite properties
PropertyDensity
(Kg/ m3)
Electrical conductivity
(S/m)
Thermal conductivity
(W/m. K)
Thermal expansion coefficient
(/K)
Elastic Modulus
(GPa)
Poissons ratio
Silver-Nickel Composite (Ag-Ni)23703190366.7120 E-0621.50.3

Electromagnetic Input

Each extended tip of the micro gripper is designated as a solid coil carrying a voltage of 1.54 V, with the entry/exit port illustrated in Figure 3.

Applied voltage input
Figure 3 - Applied voltage input

Thermal Input

A thermal boundary condition of 27°C is applied to both anchored pads, while thermal convection is implemented on the air body at ambient temperature, with a coefficient set to 10 W/m²K.

Structural boundary condition

Fixed boundary conditions are applied to both sides of the anchored pads, as depicted in Figure 4.

Fixed boundary conditions
Figure 4 - Fixed boundary conditions

Meshing

The entire model is meshed within EMS using a finely controlled mesh, as illustrated in the figure below, to ensure more accurate results.


Meshed model
Figure 5 - Meshed model

Results

The simulation results unveil the following findings. Figure 6 illustrates the maximum temperature distribution, occurring at the hot arm, corresponding to an input current value of approximately 0.26 A.

Temperature distribution
Figure 6  - Temperature distribution

In terms of mechanical displacement, each extended tip attains a maximum deflection of 166 µm.

 Resultant displacement plot
Figure 7 - Resultant displacement plot

For the identical input applied voltage, Table 3 provides a comparison between the measured and simulated results provided by the reference [1] and the EMS tool.

Table 3 - Comparative table between EMS and Reference [1] results
ResultsSimulation [1]Measurement [1]EMS
Max total Displacement (µm)322311332
Max Temperature (°C)155123135

Conclusion

The application note on a MEMS microgripper showcases the device's adaptability and versatility in precision engineering tasks such as micromanipulation and micro-assembly. Utilizing low power consumption, the microgripper, equipped with two gripping tips connected to U-shaped actuators, demonstrates significant mechanical manipulation capabilities. Through the application of a DC voltage, the arms of the microgripper deflect, enabling the secure handling of micro-objects. This study leverages the EMS finite element tool for simulating the micro-gripper's displacement and temperature distribution, providing a detailed insight into its operational mechanisms. The simulation results, corroborated by comparison with reference data, reveal a maximum temperature increase at the hot arm and a significant deflection of 166 µm at each extended tip, indicating the microgripper's efficient performance. This research underlines the potential of MEMS microgrippers in enhancing the precision and efficiency of micro-scale engineering operations, offering a promising solution for complex micromanipulation tasks.

References

[1]. Feng, Yao-Yun, et al. "Fabrication of an electro-thermal micro-gripper with elliptical cross-sections using silver-nickel composite ink." Sensors and Actuators A: Physical 245 (2016): 106-112.

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