Dielectric elastomer actuated systems and methods
US7411331B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 8, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 12, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 8, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10N30/886
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The system of the present invention includes an actuator having at least two electrodes, an elastomeric dielectric film disposed between the two electrodes, and a frame attached to the elastomeric dielectric film. The frame provides a linear actuation force characteristic over a displacement range. The displacement range is preferably the stroke of the actuator. The displacement range can be about 5 mm and greater. Further, the frame can include a plurality of configurations, for example, at least a rigid members coupled to a flexible member wherein the frame provides an elastic restoring force. In preferred embodiments, the rigid member can be, but is not limited to, curved beams, parallel beams, rods and plates.In a preferred embodiment the actuator can further include a passive element disposed between two flexible members such as, for example, links to tune a stiffness characteristic of the actuator. The passive element can be a bi-stable element. Further, the actuator can include a plurality of layers of the elastomeric dielectric film integrated into the frame. The elastomeric film can be made of different materials such as, for example, acrylic, silicone and latex.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.