Patent ID: 6417601
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: H02N

Abstract:
A torsional motor, comprising:a torsional actuator, having: a plurality of segments, said segments having a length L, each segment comprised of an electroactive material which is poled along its length dimension, said segments being arranged side by side into a cylindrical cross sectional arrangement exhibiting a radius R, wherein said ratio of L to R is greater than one, adjacent segments arranged such that their respective polings are in opposed directions, conductors disposed between adjacent edges of said side by side segments, power supply means connected to said conductors such that oppositely directed electric fields may be applied across said side by side segments so to achieve concurrent rotational movement of a first end said side by side segments, a first one way clutch positioned at a distance from the midpoint of said torsional actuator, a rotor connected to said first one-way clutch, such that angular displacement said torsional actuator at said distance from said midpoint is transmitted by said one-way clutch to said rotor, and a second one-way clutch positioned at a second distance from said midpoint of said torsional actuator, said second one-way clutch connected to said rotor, such that angular displacement of said torsional actuator at said second distance from said midpoint is transmitted to the rotor.