Electroactive polymer fabrication
AssigneeSRI International
InventorsRonald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh, Seajin Oh, Jose P. Joseph
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Abstract
Pre-strained electroactive polymers are described that improve conversion from electrical to mechanical energy. When a voltage is applied to electrodes contacting a pre-strained polymer, the polymer deflects. This deflection may be used to do mechanical work. The pre-strain improves the mechanical response of an electroactive polymer. Also described herein are actuators that include an electroactive polymer and mechanical coupling to convert deflection of the polymer into mechanical work. Further described are compliant electrodes that conform to the shape of a polymer. Methods for fabricating electromechanical devices including one or more electroactive polymers are also described.
Claims24
A method of fabricating a transducer comprising a pre-strained polymer and one or more electrodes, the method comprising:
- pre-straining a first portion of a polymer to form the pre-strained polymer, wherein the polymer has an elastic modulus below 100 MPa;
- fixing a second portion of the pre-strained polymer to a solid member;
- and
- forming the one or more electrodes on the pre-strained polymer.
A method of fabricating a transducer comprising multiple pre-strained polymers, the method comprising:
- (a) pre-straining a first polymer to form a first pre-strained polymer;
- (b) forming one or more electrodes on the first pre-strained polymer;
- (c) pre-straining a second polymer to form a second pre-strained polymer;
- (d) forming one or more electrodes on the second pre-strained polymer;
- and
- (e) coupling the first pre-strained polymer to the second pre-strained polymer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.