Highly controllable electroactive materials and electroactive actuators capable of pronounced contraction and expansion
US9853202B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 3, 2014 |
| Grant date | Dec 26, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 27, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB32B2457/00
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention describes a method for producing highly controllable motion in electroactive materials and electroactive actuators capable of pronounced contraction and expansion, which act as synthetic muscle, tendon, fascia, perimysium, epimysium, and skin that wrinkles, comprising ion-containing, cross-linked electroactive material(s); solvent(s); electrode(s); attachments to levers or other objects; and coating(s). Restriction of movement in undesired direction(s) produces pronounced movement in the desired direction(s). The electroactive material itself or the electroactive actuator may be used individually or grouped to produce movement when activated by electricity. This invention can provide for human-like motion, durability, toughness, speed, and strength. The electroactive materials and electroactive actuators, with highly controllable motion, can be attached to objects and devices to produce motion with no metal pulleys, gears, or motors needed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.