Patent ID: 6069433
Filing Date: 2000-05-30
Classification: G03F,H01L,H04R,Y10T

Abstract:
An electro-active device comprising a plurality of layers laminated about at least one electro-active ceramic layer to form an electro-active ceramic package, and includinga first and a second electro-active ceramic layer, at least one of said first and second electro-active ceramic layers extending over a region and having a first surface and a second surface opposite to said first surface region;a flexible circuit covering a substantial portion of said first surface of said electro-active ceramic layer, the flexible circuit including a non-conductive polymer film layer having opposing first and second surfaces and a conductive lead layer, said first surface of said polymer film layer being attached to said conductive lead layer; anda bonding layer attaching said electro-active ceramic layer to said flexible circuit,wherein said first and second electro-active ceramic layers are oriented to produce torsional actuationwherein said lead layer includes a pattern of lead segments forming a conductive line extending in a path across said film layer and protruding therefrom;wherein said flexible circuit is configured such thati) said conductive line extends substantially entirely across and is attached to said first surface of the electro-active ceramic layer for energizing said entire first surface while bridging cracks; andii) said polymer film layer covers said electro-active ceramic layer and said conductive line, andwherein said bonding layer attaches said electro-active ceramic layer to said flexible circuit such that in-plane strain of the electro-active ceramic layer is shear-coupled from substantially said entire first surface of the electro-active ceramic layer through the flexible circuitso that said in-plane strain is effectively transferred to said second surface of the polymer film layer for utilization of strain produced by the electro-active ceramic layer.