| 摘要 |
The device has a layered piezoelectric structure extending along a minor axis 36 which is curved, for example in a helix around a major axis 37. The structure comprises successive portions extending around said minor axis and arranged with electrodes to bend around the minor axis 36 such that bending of the successive portions 35 is concomitant with rotation of the electro-active structure about the minor axis 36 adding incrementally along the minor axis 36. The structure generates displacement out of the local plane in which the minor axis is curved. The layers of the structure are arranged at an angle a of less than 90{ to the minor axis 36 (see fig 5). The structure may be corrugated 141. The structure may be a continuous electro-active member extending along and curving around the minor axis 35, for example helically to form a helical helix. Alternatively, the electro-active structure may be a plurality of discrete elements connected together. The device may be used as a driver, a sensor or a generator. |
