Dielectric elastomer actautor

A method of forming a dielectric elastomeric actuator, the method comprising:

• stretching an elastomeric film in an axial direction and a lateral direction, perpendicular to the axial direction, to achieve a pre-stretched configuration;
• applying an electrode material layer to the first surface and the second surface of the elastomeric film, with the elastomeric film maintained in the pre-stretched configuration;
• wherein each of the electrode material layers is electrically conductive;
• applying an attachment material to a first section and a second section on at least one of the first side and the second side of the elastomeric film, such that the first section and the second section are restrained by the attachment material in the pre-stretched configuration, and a transition section, axially disposed between the first section and the second section, is not restrained by the attachment material in the axial direction;
• and
• discontinuing the stretching of the elastomeric film from the pre-stretched configuration, such that the transition section contracts to allow the first section and the second section to move toward one another in the axial direction.

An actuator comprising:

• a first dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) and a second DEA electrically connected to one another, wherein each of the first and the second DEA includes:
• an elastomeric film presenting a first side and a second side, opposing the first side;
• wherein the elastomeric film includes a first section, a second section, and a transition section, axially disposed between the first section and the second section;
• an electrode material layer disposed on the transition section and at least one of the first section and the second section, on each of the first side and the second side, wherein the electrode material layer includes a movement area and at least two tab areas;
• wherein the movement area covers at least a portion of the transition section;
• wherein the at least two tab areas extend from the movement area and cover a portion of at least one of the first section and the second section;
• and
• wherein the at least two tab areas on the first side are offset from the at least two tab areas on the second side;
• a plurality of conductive strips disposed over at least a portion of a respective tab area, wherein each of the plurality of conductive strips presents an adhesive layer;
• wherein the first section and the second section are restrained in a pre-stretched configuration in each of the axial direction and a lateral direction, perpendicular to the axial direction;
• wherein the transition section is not restrained in a pre-stretched configuration in the axial direction;
• wherein the transition section is configured to elongate in the axial direction in response to the application of a voltage to the electrode material layer, such that the first section and the second section move away from one another, in the axial direction;
• and
• wherein the transition section is configured to contract in the axial direction in an absence of a voltage applied to the electrode material layer, such that the first section and the second section move toward one another, in the axial direction;
• and
• wherein the at least two tab areas of the first DEA are adhesively secured to the corresponding at least two tab areas of the second DEA, by virtue of the respective adhesive layers, such that the at least two tab areas of the first DEA are in electrical contact relationship with the at least two tab areas of the second DEA.