Patent ID: 6661160
Filing Date: 2003-12-09
Classification: H02N

Abstract:
A torsional motor, comprising:a plurality of segments; wherein each segment comprises an electroactive material having a poling along the length dimension of the segment; wherein the segments are arranged in the shape of a tube, the length dimensions of the segments are aligned with the length dimension of the tube, and adjacent segments are arranged such that their respective polings are in opposed directions; a plurality of conductors; wherein the conductors are disposed between the adjacent segments; a first set of one-way clutches comprising a first one-way clutch and a second one-way clutch; wherein the first one-way clutch is at a first position on the tube; wherein the second one-way clutch is at a second position on the tube; a first rotor; wherein the first one-way clutch transmits angular displacement at the first position of the tube in one direction to the first rotor; and a second rotor; wherein the second one-way clutch transmits angular displacement at the second position of the tube in one direction to the second rotor; whereby rotation of the first rotor and the second rotor occurs during application of opposite-polarity alternating electric fields across adjacent segments.