Electroactive polymer (EAP)-based rotary motion devices

摘要

Rotary motion devices (10) are provided. In one embodiment, the rotary motion devices (10) may comprise: a mass (12); a circumferential component (14); a plurality of spokes (16) connecting the mass (12) to the circumferential component (14), at least one of the spokes (16) comprising an electroactive polymer, wherein: the at least one spoke (16) has at least one input electrode and is configured to deflect upon application of an electrical potential across the at least one input electrode, and the rotary motion device (10) is configured such that deflection of the at least one spoke (16) causes the mass (12) to move, thereby causing the rotary motion device (10) to become off balance with respect to gravity, and rotate.

主权项

1. A rotary motion device, comprising:
a mass; a circumferential component; and a plurality of spokes connecting the mass and the circumferential component, at least one of the spokes comprising an electroactive polymer, the at least one spoke comprising at least one input electrode, the at least one spoke being configured to deflect upon application of an electrical potential across the at least one input electrode, and the plurality of spokes, the mass, and the circumferential component being operatively coupled in the rotary motion device such that deflection of the at least one spoke moves the mass to position the rotary motion device in an off balance state with respect to gravity, the off balance state being effective to cause rotation of the rotary motion device, the rotary motion device in the absence of one or more of: a motor crank arm and a motor shaft.