Wound piezoelectric polymer flexure devices

摘要

Disclosed herein is a piezoelectric flexure device in which the piezoelectric element(s) thereof comprises a flexible piezoelectric layer (e.g. a suitably polarized polymeric film) which is tightly wound about an axis to produce a plurality of substantially concentric layers of piezoelectric material. Positioned between adjacent piezoelectric layers are conductive layers which function as electrodes for either applying an electric field across the piezoelectric layers to cause the device to flex, or for detecting the electrical potential produced in the device as a result of subjecting the piezoelectric element to a mechanical stress. Owing to the wound nature of the piezoelectric element, the device is relatively simple to manufacture and the conductive layers are less apt to crack or break during the manufacturing process. Also disclosed herein are techniques for producing such piezoelectric flexure devices.