Polymer-polymer bilayer actuator

US6545391B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Ji Su · Highland Park, US
• Joycelyn S. Harrison · Hampton, US
• Terry L. St. Clair · Poquoson, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 23, 2000
• Grant date: Apr 8, 2003
• Expiry date: Oct 23, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S310/80
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A device for providing an electromechanical response includes two polymeric webs bonded to each other along their lengths. At least one polymeric web is activated upon application thereto of an electric field and exhibits electrostriction by rotation of polar graft moieties within the polymeric web. In one embodiment, one of the two polymeric webs in an active web upon application thereto of the electric field, and the other polymeric web is a non-active web upon application thereto of the electric field. In another embodiment, both of the two polymeric webs are capable of being active webs upon application thereto of the electric field. However, these two polymeric webs are alternately activated and non-activated by the electric field.