Electrochemical actuator
First Claim
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1. A method of actuation, comprising:
- applying a voltage or current to an actuator including a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and a species formulated to intercalate with or de-intercalate from at least one of the electrodes, the applied voltage or current inducing intercalation or de-intercalation of the species in at least one of the negative electrode and the positive electrode, whereby the intercalation or de-intercalation induces a volumetric or dimensional change of the actuator and linear strain is produced, wherein the volumetric or dimensional change induces a bend or twist in the actuator.
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Abstract
The present invention provides systems, devices, and related methods, involving electrochemical actuation. In some cases, application of a voltage or current to a system or device of the invention may generate a volumetric or dimensional change, which may produce mechanical work. For example, at least a portion of the system may be constructed and arranged to be displaced from a first orientation to a second orientation. Systems such as these may be useful in various applications, including pumps (e.g., infusion pumps) and drug delivery devices, for example.
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8 Claims
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1. A method of actuation, comprising:
applying a voltage or current to an actuator including a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and a species formulated to intercalate with or de-intercalate from at least one of the electrodes, the applied voltage or current inducing intercalation or de-intercalation of the species in at least one of the negative electrode and the positive electrode, whereby the intercalation or de-intercalation induces a volumetric or dimensional change of the actuator and linear strain is produced, wherein the volumetric or dimensional change induces a bend or twist in the actuator. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8)
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2. An electrochemical actuator, comprising:
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a negative electrode; a positive electrode; and a species formulated to alloy with at least one of the electrodes, the alloying of said species producing a change in volume in the actuator, such that at least one of the electrodes displaces from a first orientation to a second orientation upon charge and/or discharge of the electrochemical actuator. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4)
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Specification