Patent ID: 7449818

Claim:
An actuator module comprising: a plurality of actuator units each including a multi-layer film and two input electrodes, the multi-layer film including a flexible layer and a base layer joined to the flexible layer, the flexible layer formed of a material that is adapted to expand and contract based on electric signals and that contains conductive particles and a binder material, and the base layer formed of a material smaller in coefficient of linear thermal expansion than the flexible layer, the two input electrodes being formed at both end portions of each flexible layer to apply a voltage to the flexible layer, wherein the multi-layer film has a structure such that an anisotropic internal stress distribution is induced within the multi-layer film upon application of voltage to the input electrodes, and the multi-layer film is cut around a bending portion based on the internal stress distribution in each the actuator unit; and wiring patterns for connecting the input electrodes in each of the plural actuator units with connecting terminals to introduce a voltage into the input electrodes.