High-performance electroactive polymer transducers

#The present invention relates generally to electroactive polymer constructions that convert electrical energy to mechanical energy and vice versa. More particularly, the present invention relates to frame and web configurations for pre-strained polymer actuators and transducers.

#A tremendous variety of devices used today rely on actuators of one sort or another to convert electrical energy to mechanical energy. The actuators “give life” to these products, putting them in motion. Conversely, many power generation applications operate by converting mechanical action into electrical energy. Employed to harvest mechanical energy in this fashion, the same type of actuator may be referred to as a generator. Likewise, when the structure is employed to convert physical stimulus such as vibration or pressure into an electrical signal for measurement purposes, it may be referred to as a transducer. Yet, the term “transducer” may be used to generically refer to any of the devices. By any name, a new class of components employing electroactive polymers can be configured to serve these functions.

#Especially for actuator and generator applications, a number of design considerations favor the selection and use of advanced electroactive polymer technology based transducers. These considerations include potential force, power density, power conversion/consumption, size, weight, cost, response time, duty cycle, service requirements, environmental impact, etc. Electroactive Polymer Artificial Muscle (EPAM™) technology developed by SRI International and licensee Artificial Muscle, Inc., excels in each of these categories relative to other available technologies. In many applications, EPAM™ technology offers an ideal replacement for piezoelectric, shape-memory alloy (SMA) and electromagnetic devices such as motors and solenoids

#The figures illustrate exemplary aspects of the invention. Of these figures:

#FIGS. 1A and 1B show opposite sides of an EPAM™ layer;

#FIG. 2 is an assembly view of an EPAM™ layer stack

#Variation of the invention from that shown in the figures is contemplated.

#Various exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. A number of actuator/transducer embodiments are first described. Next, systems optionally incorporating such devices are described. Finally, manufacturing techniques and applicable methods of use and kits are described, followed by discussion of contemplated variations. Reference is made to these examples in a non-limiting sense. They are provided to illustrate more broadly applicable aspects of the present invention.

#Transducers