Electroactive polymer torsional device
First Claim
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1. A device for converting between electrical energy and mechanical energy, the device comprising:
- at least one transducer, each transducer comprising;
at least two electrodes, anda polymer arranged in a manner which causes a first portion of the polymer to deflect in response to a change in electric field and/or arranged in a manner which causes a change in electric field in response to deflection of the polymer;
a first substantially rigid member attached to a second portion of the polymer;
a second substantially rigid member attached to a third portion of the polymer, the second portion and the third portion arranged to change in distance therebetween upon deflection of the first portion; and
a first flexure coupled to the first and second members, wherein the first flexure is configured to improve torsional stiffness for the device.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to mechanical-electrical power conversion systems. The systems comprise one or more electroactive polymers that convert between electrical and mechanical energy. When a voltage is applied to electrodes contacting an electroactive polymer, the polymer deflects. This deflection may be converted into rotation of a power shaft included in a motor. Repeated deflection of the polymer may then produce continuous rotation of the power shaft.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A device for converting between electrical energy and mechanical energy, the device comprising:
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at least one transducer, each transducer comprising; at least two electrodes, and a polymer arranged in a manner which causes a first portion of the polymer to deflect in response to a change in electric field and/or arranged in a manner which causes a change in electric field in response to deflection of the polymer; a first substantially rigid member attached to a second portion of the polymer; a second substantially rigid member attached to a third portion of the polymer, the second portion and the third portion arranged to change in distance therebetween upon deflection of the first portion; and a first flexure coupled to the first and second members, wherein the first flexure is configured to improve torsional stiffness for the device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A device for converting between electrical energy and mechanical energy, the device comprising:
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at least one transducer, each transducer comprising; at least two electrodes, and a polymer arranged in a manner which causes a first portion of the polymer to deflect in response to a change in electric field and/or arranged in a manner which causes a change in electric field in response to deflection of the polymer; a first substantially rigid member attached to a second portion of the polymer; a second substantially rigid member attached to a third portion of the polymer, wherein the first and second substantially rigid members are attached to substantially parallel edges of the polymer and prevent deflection of the polymer in a direction substantially parallel to the substantially parallel edges; a first flexure coupled to the first and second members, wherein the first flexure is configured to improve torsional stiffness for the device; and a second flexure coupled to the first and second members, wherein the second flexure is configured to improve torsional stiffness for the device. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification