Electroactive polymer devices for moving fluid
US7362032B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 2006 |
| Grant date | Apr 22, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 14, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S310/80
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention describes devices for performing thermodynamic work on a fluid, such as pumps, compressors and fans. The thermodynamic work may be used to provide a driving force for moving the fluid. Work performed on the fluid may be transmitted to other devices, such as a piston in a hydraulic actuation device. The devices may include one or more electroactive polymer transducers with an electroactive polymer that deflects in response to an application of an electric field. The electroactive polymer may be in contact with a fluid where the deflection of the electroactive polymer may be used to perform thermodynamic work on the fluid. The devices may be designed to efficiently operate at a plurality of operating conditions, such as operating conditions that produce an acoustic signal above or below the human hearing range. The devices may be used in thermal control systems, such as refrigeration system, cooling systems and heating systems.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.