Dielectric motors with electrically conducting rotating drive shafts and vehicles using same

摘要

A motor includes a support framework and a mechanical movement component moveably mounted to the support framework. An electroactive polymer device having a pair of input electrodes is configured to deform upon application of an electric potential difference across the pair of input electrodes. The electroactive polymer device is mechanically linked to the support framework and to the mechanical movement component so that deformation of the electroactive polymer device causes the movement component to move relative to the support framework. In some motors, the movement component and an electrode fixed in the support framework are driven at different electrical potentials to cause the electroactive polymer device to deform. In some motors a rolled electroactive polymer device is used with a rotating movement component. Such motors enable lightweight, powered vehicles with low radar reflectivity.