Electro active devices
US6833656B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 10, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 21, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 8, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S310/80
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to an electro-active device having an electro-active structure extending along a minor axis (36) which is curved, for example in a helix around a major axis (37). The electro-active structure comprises successive electro-active portions (35) extending around said minor axis and arranged with electrodes to bend, when activated, around the minor axis (36) such that bending of the successive portions (35) is concomitant with rotation of the electro-active structure about the minor axis (36) adding incrementally along the minor axis (36). The electro-active structure generates displacement out of the local plane in which the minor axis is curved. The electra-active structure may be continuous electro-active member (35) extending along and curving around the minor axis (35), for example helically to form a helical helix. Alternatively, the electro-active structure may be a plurality of discrete elements (211) connected together. The electro-active portions preferably have a bender structure formed from a plurality of layers. The device may be used as a driver, a sensor or a generator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.