Electroactive polymer actuated devices

• US 20060208609A1
• Filed: 03/21/2005
• Published: 09/21/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/21/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bayer Materialscience AG (Covestro AG)
• Original Assignee: Artificial Muscle, Inc. (Covestro AG)
• Inventors: Heim, Jon
• Granted Patent: US 7,595,580 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 310/311
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 43/0054 particularities of the flexible members
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 43/04 Pumps having electric drive
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 31/02 electric F16K31/004 takes precedence; magnetic
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 13/001 Miniaturised objectives for electronic devices, e.g. portable telephones, webcams, PDAs, small digital cameras G02B23/243 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 13/009 having zoom function
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 7/102 controlled by a microcomputer cameras with interchangeable lenses G03B17/14
• CPC Class Codes: H02N 1/002 Electrostatic motors
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 19/02 Loudspeakers H04R19/01 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H10N 30/206 using only longitudinal or thickness displacement, e.g. d33 or d31 type devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 310/80 Piezoelectric polymers, e.g. PVDF

Abstract

Devices employing electroactive polymer actuators are disclosed. The devices include pumps, valves, cameras (where electroactive polymer actuators control either one or both of zoom and focus), vibrators (for inclusion in cell phones, game console controls, etc.) and audio speakers. These devices advantageously incorporate the actuator configurations descried. The devices generally incorporate a diaphragm-type actuation having a central section of material that is less flexible than adjacent material.

Claims

1. An electroactive polymer transducer driven device comprising:

an open frame and electroactive polymer material stretched within the frame to form a diaphragm,

wherein the diaphragm comprises a central portion that is less flexible than adjacent material,

wherein the motion of the diaphragm upon application of voltage provides for output from the device.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein a cap attached to the diaphragm forms the less flexible central portion.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the cap is substantially rigid.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a speaker.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the speaker comprises a housing and a plurality of diaphragm.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein at last two of the diaphragms are different in size to provide a range of speaker driver sizes.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a pump.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the pump comprises a housing and a chamber formed between the housing and electroactive polymer material.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein the housing includes check valves.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the check valves are offset from the diaphragm and a portion comprises the electroactive polymer material.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a valve.

12. The device of claim 11, comprising a housing and a chamber formed between the housing and the electroactive polymer material, wherein motion of the diaphragm adjusts fluid flow through the chamber.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the diaphragm includes one of a valve stem and valve seat to adjust flow with a complimentary valve seat or valve stem.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein a portion of the electroactive polymer is configured as an actuator for the diaphragm and a portion of the electroactive polymer is configured as a sensor for the valve.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a vibrator.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein a weight is attached to the central portion.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein the device comprises a user control input means.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a camera.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein a lens unit is located within a circumference of an open diaphragm in the form of a ring and motion of the of the diaphragm controls focus.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein a leaf spring biases the electroactive material and the electroactive material attached to the diaphragm is located between the diaphragm and a distal face of the camera.

21. The device of claim 19, further comprising a zoom stage.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein travel of the zoom stage is provided by a planar electroactive polymer assembly.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein the travel is provided by a plurality of planar electroactive polymer assemblies connected in series.