초록 ▼

The present invention relates to the mounting of pre-stressed electroactive material in such a manner that large displacement actuators or sensors result. The invention comprises mounting the pre-stressed electroactive material to a support layer. This combination of a pre-stressed electroactive mat

The present invention relates to the mounting of pre-stressed electroactive material in such a manner that large displacement actuators or sensors result. The invention comprises mounting the pre-stressed electroactive material to a support layer. This combination of a pre-stressed electroactive material and support layer may in turn be attached to a mounting surface. The pre-stressed electroactive material may be a ferroelectric, pyroelectric, piezoelectric, or magnetostrictive material. The size, stiffness, mass, and material of the support layer is selected to result in the electroactive device having dynamic response properties, environmental capability characteristics, and the required resilience optimized for a given application. The capacity to connect the support layer to a surface expands the arenas in which the pre-stressed electroactive device may be used. Application for which the invention may be used include actuators, sensors, or as a component in a pumps, switches, relays, pressure transducers and acoustic devices.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An electroactive device, comprising:a pre-stressed, curved electroactive material having a convex surface and a concave surface;a support layer having a curved central portion and two ends, the curved central portion having a convex surface and a concave surface, the conv

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An electroactive device, comprising:a pre-stressed, curved electroactive material having a convex surface and a concave surface;a support layer having a curved central portion and two ends, the curved central portion having a convex surface and a concave surface, the convex surface being conformed to match to the shape of the concave surface of the pre-stressed curved electroactive material, the convex surface of the central portion being in contact with the concave surface of the pre-stressed, curved electroactive material; anda means for attaching the convex surface of the central portion of the support layer to the concave surface of the pre-stressed, curved electroactive material.