Actuation using lithium/metal alloys and actuator device
US7298017B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 28, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 20, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 28, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In one embodiment, a solid state actuator is provided having a solid state lithium storage material and a solid state volume changing material having a metal capable of changing volume in response to lithium insertion and removal. A solid state lithium ion transport material is located between the lithium storage material and the volume changing material. A pair of electrodes are connected so as to be capable of providing an actuation voltage across the lithium storage material and the volume changing material. In some embodiments, the volume changing material has active material particles comprised of metal contained in an inactive matrix. The active material particles may be aligned so that when the active material particles expand the volume changing material expands substantially in one direction. In some embodiments the volume changing material is a metal alloy and the lithium transport material is a high stiffness material. In some embodiments, multiple actuators are stacked, interleaved, or pillared.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.