Electroactive polymer animated devices

Details Electroactive polymer animated devices Electroactive polymer animated devices

2007-05-01

2007-05-01

Dougherty, Thomas M. (Department: 2834)

Electrical generator or motor structure

Piezoelectric polymers

C446S330000

Reexamination Certificate

active

11411007

ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to animated devices that include one or more electroactive polymer transducers. When actuated by electrical energy, an electroactive polymer produces mechanical deflection in one or more directions. This deflection may be used to produce motion of a feature included in an animated device. Electroactive polymer transducers offer customizable shapes and deflections. Combining different ways to configure and constrain a polymer, different ways to arrange active areas on a single polymer, different animated device designs, and different polymer orientations, permits a broad range of animated devices that use an electroactive polymer transducer to produce motion. These animated devices find use in a wide range of animated device applications.

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