Artificial muscle camera lens actuator

摘要

An artificial muscle structure has an electro-active polymer (EAP) layer having a frusto-conical shape and whose tip has an opening formed therein for use as a camera variable aperture. First, second and third electrode segments are formed on a rear face of the EAP layer. The second segment is positioned in a gap between the first and third segments so as to be electrically isolated from the first and third segments. The second segment has an opening formed therein that is aligned with the opening in the EAP layer. A complementary electrode is formed on a front face of the EAP layer. Other embodiments are also described.

主权项

1. A camera lens actuator, comprising:
an imaging lens holder to which an imaging lens is secured, wherein light from a scene is to enter from a front of the lens and be incident upon an imaging sensor that is behind the lens; a base frame; and an electro-active polymer, EAP, structure having a generally frusto-conical shape and being secured at its base to the base frame and whose tip has an opening formed therein, the EAP structure being attached to the lens holder so that the opening in the tip is aligned with a face of the lens and the tip is in front of the lens, the EAP structure having a first electrode portion attached to a face of an EAP layer and extending in a longitudinal direction along a side of the EAP structure and a second electrode portion isolated from the first electrode portion and attached to the face of the EAP layer along the tip, the second electrode portion having an opening that is aligned with the opening in the EAP structure.