Non-contact electroactive polymer electrodes
AssigneeSRI International
InventorsRonald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh
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Abstract
The invention relates to systems and methods for electrically communicating with an electroactive polymer using one or more electrodes that do not contact the polymer. A non-contact electrode communicates charge to or from a portion of the polymer, typically through a medium. For example, the medium may include air, a vacuum, or a specialized gas that facilitates transfer of charge between the electrode and the polymer. The charge may include positive or negative ions or electrodes and may act to actuate the polymer, or diminish actuation applied to polymer in one or more specific polymer portions.
Claims39
A device for converting between electrical energy and mechanical energy, the device comprising:
- an electroactive polymer capable of converting between electrical energy and mechanical energy;
- and
- at least two electrodes in electrical communication with the electroactive polymer,
- wherein one of the at least two electrodes is a non-contact electrode, having a portion proximate to the electroactive polymer, that transfers charge to or from a portion of the polymer through a non-condensed medium without contacting the polymer.
A method for operating an electroactive polymer in electrical communication with at least two electrodes, wherein one of the at least two electrodes is a non-contact electrode, having a portion proximate to the electroactive polymer without contacting the polymer, the method comprising transferring charge between the non-contact electrode and a portion of the polymer through a non-condensed medium to thereby operate the electroactive polymer.
A device for converting between electrical energy and mechanical energy, the device comprising:
- an electroactive polymer capable of converting between electrical energy and mechanical energy;
- and
- at least two electrodes in electrical communication with the electroactive polymer,
- wherein one of the at least two electrodes is a non-contact electrode, having a portion proximate to the electroactive polymer, that transfers charge to or from a portion of the polymer through air without contacting the polymer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.