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This paper proposes an optimization method for finding the optimal design of a bistable mechanism with a desired performance that is robust to structural and material uncertainties. Using interval numbers to characterize the uncertainties in the structural parameters and materials, we present a nonprobabilistic multiobjective optimization model and transform it into a single objective optimization model using a penalty function. The sensitivity of the mechanical performance of bistable structures to uncertain parameters was analyzed, and the design parameters with notable effects on the bistable performance were identified as optimization variables. A neural network-based proxy model for the nonlinear characteristics of the bistable mechanism was established, and its accuracy was validated through finite element outcomes. Based on this model, a two-layer nested genetic algorithm was employed to solve the multiobjective robust optimization problem of the bistable structures with critical forces and a second stable position. The effectiveness of the optimization method was verified by comparing it with the finite element and experimental results. The proposed method was applied in the design of silicon-based inertial switches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible electronics have demonstrated various strategies to enhance the sensory ability for tactile perception and wearable physiological monitoring. Fibrous microstructures have attracted much interest because of their excellent mechanical properties and fabricability. Herein, a structurally robust fibrous mat was first fabricated by electrospinning, followed by a sequential process of functionalization utilizing ultrasonication treatment and in situ polymerization growth. Electrospun polyurethane (PU) microfibers were anchored with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to form conductive paths along each fiber by a scalable ultrasonic cavitation treatment in an MWCNT suspension. After, a layer of poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was grown on the surface of PU fibers decorated with MWCNTs to enhance the conductive conjunctions of MWCNTs. Due to the superior electromechanical behaviors and mechanical reinforcement of PEDOT, the PEDOT/MWCNT@PU mat-based device exhibits a wide working range (0–70 kPa), high sensitivity (1.6 kPa−1), and good mechanical robustness (over 18,000 cycles). The PEDOT/MWCNT@PU mat-based sensor also demonstrates a good linear response to different temperature variations because of the thermoelectricity of the PEDOT/MWCNT composite. This novel strategy for the fabrication of multifunctional fibrous mats provides a promising opportunity for future applications for high-performance wearable devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-area, continuous monolayer WS2 exhibits great potential for future micro-nanodevice applications due to its special electrical properties and mechanical flexibility. In this work, the front opening quartz boat is used to increase the amount of sulfur (S) vapor under the sapphire substrate, which is critical for achieving large-area films during the chemical vapor deposition processes. COMSOL simulations reveal that the front opening quartz boat will significantly introduce gas distribute under the sapphire substrate. Moreover, the gas velocity and height of substrate away from the tube bottom will also affect the substrate temperature. By carefully optimizing the gas velocity, temperature, and height of substrate away from the tube bottom, a large-scale continues monolayered WS2 film was achieved. Field-effect transistor based on the as-grown monolayer WS2 showed a mobility of 3.76 cm2V−1 s−1 and ON/OFF ratio of 106. In addition, a flexible WS2/PEN strain sensor with a gauge factor of 306 was fabricated, showing great potential for applications in wearable biosensors, health monitoring, and human–computer interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sound as a ubiquitous energy in our surroundings is clean and sustainable, and carries abundant information in a wide frequency bandwidth. However, effectively harvesting and utilizing acoustic energy is still hindered by the limitations such as low energy density of acoustic energy and lack of novel application. In this paper, we successfully present a self-powered acoustic sensor, which is composed of an adjustable spacing structure and sound-driven triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). The acoustic sensor exhibits excellent electric output properties because of the poriferous electrode structure, ultrathin vibrating membrane as well as high-quality triboelectric materials. The sensor can deliver a maximal output voltage of 6.28 V with the sound frequency of 350 Hz and sound pressure of 110 dB. In addition, the electric output frequency is closely related to the applied acoustic wave and the corresponding directional dependence pattern as a butterfly is highly symmetrical. Our approach presents a cost-effective strategy to develop self-powered acoustic sensor and shows great potentials in home automation, self-powered microphone, sensor network and artificial intelligence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is the follow-up of the research we conduct to improve the self-calibration precision of high-precision MEMS capacitive accelerometers. In the previous published study, we have analyzed the influence of DRIE fabrication error on the dynamic self-calibration. In this paper, the influence of fringe effect on the self-calibration is discussed in order to improve the self-calibration precision further more, and the results has proved the feasibility of this self-calibration technique. Aimed at the capacitive accelerometer in this paper, the self-calibration error is only 0.18 % in closed-loop circuit, which is approach to the absolute calibration error of laser interferometer (0.5-1 %), which can satisfy the demand of high-precision sensors. In open-loop circuit, the fringe effect influences the self-calibration obviously and the error reaches 24.2 %, but it can be reduced to 1.49 % by correcting the actuation voltage. The method proposed in this paper may be used to develop full-automatic self-calibration system integrated on circuit board in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]