Electroactive polymer animated devices
US7211937B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 2006 |
| Grant date | May 1, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S310/80
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention relates to animated devices that include one or more electroactive polymer transducers. When actuated by electrical energy, an electroactive polymer produces mechanical deflection in one or more directions. This deflection may be used to produce motion of a feature included in an animated device. Electroactive polymer transducers offer customizable shapes and deflections. Combining different ways to configure and constrain a polymer, different ways to arrange active areas on a single polymer, different animated device designs, and different polymer orientations, permits a broad range of animated devices that use an electroactive polymer transducer to produce motion. These animated devices find use in a wide range of animated device applications.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.