Electroactive polymer rotary motors

摘要

The present invention relates to mechanical-electrical power conversion systems. The systems comprise one or more electroactive polymers (transducers 662a,b;676a,b) that convert between electrical and mechanical energy. When a voltage is applied to electrodes contacting an electroactive polymer, the polymer deflects. This deflection may be converted, via crank pin (664) and crank arm (667), into rotation of a power shaft included in a motor (660). Some motors of the present invention use a clutch. The clutch allows engagement and disengagement between a driving member (an electroactive polymer transducer) and a driven member (a power shaft). Repeated deflection of the polymer may then produce continuous rotation of the power shaft.