Monolithic electroactive polymers
US6664718B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 7, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 16, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 25, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R23/00
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to polymers, transducers and devices 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 used to do mechanical work. Similarly, when the electroactive polymer deflects, an electric field is produced in the polymer. This electric field may be used to produce electrical energy. An active area is a portion of a polymer having sufficient electrostatic force to enable deflection of the portion and/or sufficient deflection to enable a change in electrostatic force. The present invention relates to transducers and devices including multiple active areas. The invention also relates to methods for actuating one or more active areas.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.