Electroactive polymer electrodes
First Claim
1. An electrode for use with an electroactive polymer, the electrode comprising:
- a compliant portion in contact with the electroactive polymer, wherein the compliant portion comprises one or more regions of high conductivity and one or more regions of low conductivity, and wherein the compliant portion is capable of deflection with a maximum linear strain of at least about 50 percent.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to electroactive polymers that are pre-strained to improve conversion from electrical to mechanical energy. When a voltage is applied to electrodes contacting a pre-strained polymer, the polymer deflects. This deflection may be used to do mechanical work. The pre-strain improves the mechanical response of an electroactive polymer. The present invention also relates to actuators including an electroactive polymer and mechanical coupling to convert deflection of the polymer into mechanical work. The present invention further relates to compliant electrodes that conform to the shape of a polymer. The present invention provides methods for fabricating electromechanical devices including one or more electroactive polymers.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. An electrode for use with an electroactive polymer, the electrode comprising:
a compliant portion in contact with the electroactive polymer, wherein the compliant portion comprises one or more regions of high conductivity and one or more regions of low conductivity, and wherein the compliant portion is capable of deflection with a maximum linear strain of at least about 50 percent. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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4. An electrode for use with an electroactive polymer, the electrode comprising:
a compliant portion in contact with the electroactive polymer, wherein the electrode comprises a colloidal suspension, and wherein the compliant portion is capable of deflection with a maximum linear strain of at least about 50 percent. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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5. An electrode for use with an electroactive polymer, the electrode comprising:
a compliant portion in contact with the electroactive polymer, wherein the electrode comprises a conductive grease, and wherein the compliant portion is capable of deflection with a maximum linear strain of at least about 50 percent. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21)
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6. An electrode for use with an electroactive polymer, the electrode comprising:
a compliant portion in contact with the electroactive polymer, wherein the electrode comprises a mixture of ionically conductive materials, and wherein the compliant portion is capable of deflection with a maximum linear strain of at least about 50 percent. - View Dependent Claims (22)
Specification