Meta platforms technologies, llc (20240130239). STRUCTURED ACTUATORS: SHAPED ELECTROACTIVE POLYMERS simplified abstract

STRUCTURED ACTUATORS: SHAPED ELECTROACTIVE POLYMERS

Organization Name

meta platforms technologies, llc

Inventor(s)

Kenneth Alexander Diest of Kirkland WA (US)

Andrew John Ouderkirk of Redmond MA (US)

Renate Eva Klementine Landig of Kirkland WA (US)

Katherine Marie Smyth of Seattle WA (US)

Spencer Allan Wells of Seattle WA (US)

Tingling Rao of Bellevue WA (US)

Sheng Ye of Redmond WA (US)

Eric Collier Schmitt of Boston MA (US)

Nagi Hosni Elabbasi of Southborough MA (US)

Bachir Ahmed Abeid of Brighton MA (US)

STRUCTURED ACTUATORS: SHAPED ELECTROACTIVE POLYMERS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240130239 titled 'STRUCTURED ACTUATORS: SHAPED ELECTROACTIVE POLYMERS

Simplified Explanation

The actuator assembly described in the patent application includes a primary electrode, a secondary electrode overlapping the primary electrode, and an electroactive polymer layer with a non-vertical sidewall between the electrodes.

• The actuator assembly features a unique electroactive polymer layer with a non-vertical sidewall, providing improved performance and flexibility in actuation.
• The non-axisymmetric shape of the electroactive polymer layer allows for enhanced control and precision in the actuation process.

Potential Applications

The technology can be applied in robotics, haptic feedback systems, medical devices, and aerospace engineering.

Problems Solved

This technology solves the problem of limited flexibility and control in traditional actuator assemblies.

Benefits

The actuator assembly offers increased precision, flexibility, and control in various applications.

Potential Commercial Applications

"Advanced Actuator Assembly Technology for Robotics and Aerospace Applications"

Possible Prior Art

There is prior art related to electroactive polymer actuators, but the specific design with a non-vertical sidewall in the electroactive polymer layer may be novel.

Unanswered Questions

How does the non-vertical sidewall of the electroactive polymer layer impact the actuation performance compared to traditional designs?

The article does not provide specific data or comparisons on the performance differences between the non-vertical sidewall design and traditional actuator assemblies.

Are there any limitations or drawbacks to using a non-vertical sidewall in the electroactive polymer layer?

The potential limitations or drawbacks of this design choice are not discussed in the article.

Original Abstract Submitted

an actuator assembly includes a primary electrode, a secondary electrode overlapping at least a portion of the primary electrode, and an electroactive polymer layer disposed between the primary electrode and the secondary electrode, where the electroactive polymer layer includes a non-vertical (e.g., sloped) sidewall with respect to a major surface of at least one of the electrodes. the electroactive polymer layer may be characterized by a non-axisymmetric shape with respect to an axis that is oriented orthogonal to an electrode major surface.