Strap having a portion of electro-active polymer, methods and mechanisms for making and using the same

A method comprising steps of:

• obtaining an apparatus comprising:
• at least one composite film layer;
• wherein each of the at least one composite film layer comprises:
• a pre-stretched electro-active polymer (“EAP”) sublayer;
• and
• a stretchable conductive sublayer disposed on the pre-stretched EAP sublayer;
• wherein the stretchable conductive sublayer comprises a sufficiently flexible material, such that the stretchable conductive sublayer is configured to conform to a size and shape of the pre-stretched EAP sublayer while the pre-stretched EAP sublayer is maintained in a pre-stretched state;
• wherein the stretchable conductive sublayer is configured to receive and distribute electrical current through the pre-stretched EAP sublayer while the pre-stretched EAP sublayer is maintained in the pre-stretched state;
• a plurality of first holders;
• wherein the plurality of first holders is positioned longitudinally relative to the at least one composite film layer, so that the plurality of first holders is attached on top the at least one composite film layer;
• a plurality of second holders;
• wherein the plurality of second holders is positioned latitudinally relative to each of the at least one composite film layer, so that the plurality of second holders is attach on top at least one composite film layer;
• wherein the plurality of first holders is disposed orthogonally relative to the plurality of second holders to define sections of a skeleton;
• wherein the skeleton is configured to maintain the pre-stretched EAP sublayer in the pre-stretched state, while allowing the sublayer to expand in one or two directions;
• at least one end grabbing portion;
• wherein the at least one end grabbing portion is disposed on a longitudinal end of at least one of the at least one composite film layer;
• sending, with a controller, an electrical signal and a baseline voltage to a driver circuit;
• transforming, with the driver circuit, the baseline voltage into a sufficient voltage to at least partially electrically activate the composite film layer;
• applying the at least partial activation voltage to the at least one composite film layer, thereby at least partially electrically activating the EAP sublayer.

A method comprising:

• mechanically stretching an electro-active polymer (“EAP”) to form a pre-stretched EAP sublayer;
• applying, to the pre-stretched EAP sublayer, a solution comprising a flexible conductive material, thereby forming a stretchable conductive sublayer;
• applying an adhesive solution to the stretchable conductive sublayer;
• with the adhesive solution, adhering the stretchable conductive sublayer to the pre-stretched EAP sublayer to form a composite film layer;
• repeating the above steps at least one time, thereby forming at least one composite film layer;
• attaching a plurality of first holders on top the at least one composite film layer;
• positioning the plurality of first holders longitudinally relative to the at least one composite film layer;
• attaching a plurality of second holders on top of the at least one composite film layer;
• positioning the plurality of second holders latitudinally relative to the at least one composite film layer and orthogonally relative to the plurality of second holders to define sections of a skeleton and thereby maintain the pre-stretched EAP sublayer in the pre-stretched state, while allowing the sublayer to expand in one or two directions;
• and
• disposing at least one end grabbing portion on a longitudinal end of at least one of the at least one composite film layer thereby forming an EAP structure.