Electrochemical actuator

US5567284A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Friwo Silberkraft Gesellschaft fuer Batterietechnik mbH · DE

Inventors

• Helmut Bauer · Schreiber, CA
• Foad Derisavi-Fard · Duisburg, DE
• Uwe Eckoldt · Hohenfelden, DE
• Ralf Gehrmann · Duisburg, DE
• Heribert Kickel · Straelen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 7, 1995
• Grant date: Oct 22, 1996
• Expiry date: Apr 7, 2015

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E60/10
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An electrochemical actuator forms a sealed gas space inside of which there are a plurality of cells. Each cell has a solid electrode made from an electrochemically reversibly oxidizable material and a counter electrode. By applying a reversible direct current, an electrochemical reaction is initiated which results in a pressure increase or decrease in the gas space that can be used for generating movement. The manufacture of the actuator is simplified and manufacturing costs are lowered by providing a stackable spacer frame for each cell which is constructed of a material that is a relatively good heat conductor and an electric isolator. The rim of a metallic cell cup is attached to the spacer frame and a matrix soaked with an electrolyte is placed inside the cup. Each cell further has a solid electrode, a separator and a counter electrode which, together with the spacer frame, are assembled into a cell. When the cells are stacked, the counter electrode of each cell is placed against the cell cup of the adjoining cell.