Di-Conical Contracting Actuator
Dielectric Electroactive Polymers (EAP) is an emerging technology with high potential in a variety of applications. Discoveries were made in the area of shape deformation that Dielectric EAPs experience when electrically activated. Existing EAP actuators were analyzed and problems of wasted force and mechanical energy were identified. It was then discovered that for optimum energy efficiency, the best shape was designed that is capable of not only utilizing contraction, but also into one linear direction. This design is extremely useful in that it is able to mimic the motion and qualities of biological muscles and shows promise in industrial applications.
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We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation for the National Gallery of America's Young Inventors, 1999-2006
The National Gallery for America's Young Inventors ™ is the only nationally recognized hall of fame for student inventors, established in 1993 and given permission by the adult National Inventors Hall of Fame Board in Washington, D.C. to archive and enshrine great student inventions and inventors K-12.