ACTUATION DEVICE

Abstract

An actuation device comprises at least one electroactive polymer (EAP) layer (52) attached to a carrier (50) and a mechanical structure (56, 58) which defines at least two stable states. The EAP layer is adapted, when driven, to interact with the mechanical structure to switch between the at least two stable states, wherein the mechanical structure retains the electroactive polymer layer in the selected stable state in a non-driven state. In this way, two or more stable states for the device are defined, which can be retained when the EAP is no longer driven.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a passive matric array of actuation devices, a first signal line and a second signal line for providing a signal to an actuation device; and a driver arrangement for providing at least two possible signal levels to the first signal line and at least two possible signal levels to the second signal line, the signals being provided such that the drive signal received by an actuation device is a combination of one signal level of the first signal line and one signal of the second signal line, wherein each actuation device comprises: an actuation structure comprising a carrier and an electroactive material attached to the carrier for causing bending and/or a change of bending of at least the carrier in response to a driving of the electroactive material; and a mechanical structure for defining at least a first stable mechanical state and a second stable mechanical state different from the first stable mechanical state of the actuation structure by mechanically constraining the actuation structure in a bent configuration in at least one of the first and second stable mechanical states, wherein upon the driving, the actuation structure can switch from the first stable mechanical state to the second stable mechanical state, and wherein only one of the four possible combined signal levels provides a switching from the first stable state to the second stable state of the device.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the carrier has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, wherein the electroactive material is attached to the first side; and the actuator structure comprises a further electroactive material attached to the second side, the further electroactive material being for causing bending and/or a change of bending of the actuation structure in response to a further driving of the electroactive material so that, upon the further driving, the actuation structure can switch from the second stable mechanical state to the first stable mechanical state.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier, and any electroactive materials are arranged as a stack of layers.

4. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein in both the first and second mechanical state the actuator is constrained in a bent configuration.

5. A system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the bent configuration of the first stable mechanical state is opposite to the bent configuration of the second stable mechanical state.

6. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the actuation structure is substantially flat in one of the first and second stable mechanical states when the device is not driven.

7. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier has an area and the active material and/or the further active material extend only over a portion of the area.

8. A device system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanical structure comprises a retaining device, which has a plurality of retaining positions at which the actuation structure can be retained in a stable mechanical state, each retaining position corresponding to a different actuator position at least one of the retaining positions mechanically constraining the actuation structure in the bent configuration in at least one of the first and second stable mechanical states.

9. A system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the actuation structure includes a fixed edge fixed to the constraining arrangement and a movable edge, and the retaining device is for retaining the movable edge of the actuation structure at different distances from the fixed edge of the actuation structure, and comprises a plurality of retaining notches.

10. A system as claimed claim 1 wherein: the actuation devices each comprises an electrode arrangement for applying an electrical signal to the electroactive material for the driving and/or the further driving.

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein for each actuation device: the drive signal having a combined signal level below a first threshold Vbi provides actuation from the first stable state towards the second stable state but with return to the first stable state upon removal of the drive signal; and the drive signal having a combined signal level above a second threshold provides actuation from the first stable state to the second stable state without return of the first stable state upon removal of the drive signal, and wherein the second threshold has a magnitude which is a first margin Vdr greater than the magnitude of the first threshold Vbi.

14. A system as claimed in claim 13, wherein, for one of the first signal line and the second signal line, the two possible signal levels are zero and the magnitude of the first threshold Vbi and, for the other of the first signal line and the second signal line, the two possible signal levels are zero and the magnitude of the first margin Vdr, wherein the non-zero signal levels have opposite polarity.

15. A system as claimed in claim 13 wherein: the magnitude of the first threshold Vbi is greater than the magnitude of the first margin Vdr, or the magnitude of the first threshold Vbi is at least five times the magnitude of the first margin Vdr.

16. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the driver is arranged to: for each of the plurality of actuation devices, provide a reset drive signal having a combined signal level above a third threshold Vres provides a reset to the first stable state upon removal of the drive signal; and the system is adapted to receive an external input in the form of a mechanical reset for the plurality of the devices.

17. A method of operating a system, the method comprising providing at least two possible signal levels to the first signal line and at least two possible signal levels to the second signal line, the signals being provided such that the drive signal received by an actuation device is a combination of one signal level of the first signal line and one of the second signal line, wherein only one of the four possible combined signal levels provides a switching from the first stable state to the second stable state of the actuation device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] Examples of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0069] FIG. 1 shows a known electroactive polymer device which is not clamped;

[0070] FIG. 2 shows a known electroactive polymer device which is clamped to a carrier or backing layer;

[0071] FIG. 3 shows a first example of electroactive polymer device;

[0072] FIG. 4 shows a second example of electroactive polymer device;

[0073] FIG. 5 shows a third example of electroactive polymer device;

[0074] FIG. 6 shows a fourth example of electroactive polymer device;

[0075] FIG. 7 shows a fifth example of electroactive polymer device;

[0076] FIG. 8 shows a graph of output versus driving voltage of a device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0077] The devices of FIGS. 1 and 2 are described in the introduction of this application. The device of FIG. 2 is a first example based on an electroactive polymer EAP as the active material where the active material is attached to a carrier.

[0078] FIG. 3 shows a first EAP based device in which a substrate sheet (carrier) 50 is combined with an actuation material 52 including an EAP so that the bi-stable device constitutes an EAP in combination (joined) with a substrate. This constitutes an actuator structure as described with reference to FIG. 2. Thus there is an electrode arrangement that can receive a drive signal to perform driving of the EAP. The driving causes the structure to bend. The substrate or carrier is part of the mechanical structure which further includes the parts 56 and 58 between which the actuator is constrained horizontally (clamped or fixed) such that the substrate (and in this case also the entire actuation structure) are bent somewhat even when no driving signal is applied. When the EAP is actuated the EAP-carrier combination transfers from state 1 to state 2. After switching, actuation driving is stopped and the EAP-substrate combination remains in state 2 (state 1 for the dielectric device). Hence the actuation structure is retained in state 2. It is noted that no prestressing of the substrate is needed perse, meaning that when the actuation sturcutre is not constrained between parts 56 and 58, it can be substantially flat. Hence regular, easy to make, actuation structures can be employed to create a device that is both bistable and compact. The use of a single EAP can mean that an external force is needed to reset the device to its initial state, see state 3 of FIG. 3 where the arrow indicates an external force applied. This device could be useful in an interactive device such as a button on a user interface (UI).

[0079] The actuation structure may thus switch between concave and convex shapes. Any terms above and below, or up and down, or upwardly and downwardly as used below should be understood accordingly, in that they simply represent relative conditions.

[0080] The parts 56 and 58 can be part of a fixture or frame. This in turn may be present in or part of a housing of a larger device.

[0081] FIG. 4 shows a modification to the system of FIG. 3, in which a bistable mechanical sheet 60 is combined (attached to) with two actuation layers 62 (including EAP1) and 64 (including EAP2) so that the bi-stable device includes two EAPs as an integral part of a buckling disk or substrate clamped between the fixed ends 56 and 58. The use of two EAPs means that a reversible device is made possible using the driving. This device in effect includes a first actuation structure (with EAP 62) and a second actuation structure (with EAP 64) that share the carrier 60.

[0082] The device functions in the same way as the device of FIG. 3, but the further actuation material is used for resetting the disk back to the original state using another driving signal, instead of an external force or a pressure line. Connection to a driving arrangement and driving can be done. Thus such a device can have two drive signal inputs, one for the actuation structure and one for the further actuation structure. In this case both structures are electrically driven using a driver arrangement. Thus, each of the structures comprises two electrodes; one on either side of the EAP layer. In order to reduce the input leads to the electrodes, one electrode of the actuation structure and one electrode of the further actuation structure are electrically connected. They can be kept at the same voltage preferably zero volt/ground. Then only two input electrodes, one from the actuation structure and one from the further actuation structure can be used to put voltages to either of the other two remaining electrodes. Creating a voltage difference between the common electrode and one of the remaining electrodes will either actuate the actuation structure, or the further actuation structure. If the active materials are different, then the connected electrodes can be disconnected to give more drive freedom. This will however require more complicated drivers.

[0083] FIG. 4 shows the various steps in activating the actuator, showing that only during switching from one state to another state is any EAP activation required. The obtained effect, i.e. the movement of the buckling actuator, is a digital effect with only two states. During the EAP actuation the change in states occurs.

[0084] In step 1 the device starts in a stable state with a downward deformation, and no activation of the EAP layers.

[0085] In step 2 the actuation of only the top EAP 62 is shown to switch the state to the upwardly deformed state.

[0086] In step 3 the device remains in a stable state with the upward deformation, with no activation of the EAP layers.

[0087] In step 4 the actuation of only the bottom EAP 64 switches the state to the downwardly deformed state.

[0088] In FIGS. 3 and 4, the mechanically bistable layer and the electroactive polymer layer(s) are joined together to form a sheet structure. This joining together can be achieved using glue or other means of attachment.

[0089] As an alternative to the device of FIG. 4 where the actuators share the carrier, there can be used two separated actuators each of the form of FIG. 3 and then oriented with respect to each other in such a way that the carriers are back to back.

[0090] FIG. 5 shows a modification to the device of FIG. 4 in which the EAPs 72, 74 are provided at opposite sides of the rim of a bistable mechanical sheet (substrate) 70.

[0091] This example uses the same principle of providing a reversible effect by using two EAP layers, but their length is limited to only part of the surface of the buckling disk. The EAP layers only need to be sufficient to induce the desired mechanical movement.

[0092] The electroactive polymer layer(s) in this way only extend over a portion of the area of the mechanically bistable layer, for example an edge portion.

[0093] FIG. 5 shows four steps in the cycle of operation of the device.

[0094] In step 1 the device starts in a stable state with an upward deformation, and no activation of the EAP layers.

[0095] In step 2 the actuation of only the bottom EAP 74 is shown to switch the state to the downwardly deformed state.

[0096] In step 3 the device remains in a stable state with the downward deformation, with no activation of the EAP layers.

[0097] In step 4 the actuation of only the top EAP 72 switches the state to the upwardly deformed state.

[0098] Only during switching from one stable state to another is the EAP activation required, thereby providing the buckling actuator with a digital movement with only two states. During the EAP actuation the change in states occurs.

[0099] The actuators in the invention can be in the form of stacks of layers comprising actuator material and carrier in alternating fashion. These subsequent layers may all be attached to each other. Thus the actuator of FIG. 3 or 4 may actually comprise multiple layers 50 and 52 or 60, 62 and 64 in alternating fashion.

[0100] FIG. 5 shows a venting hole for pressure even in case of switching.

[0101] The examples above make use of a mechanical structure which deforms between stable states. The mechanical structure is sufficiently rigid to retain the EAP layer or layers in a deformed state even when their driving signal is ceased.

[0102] An alternative is to hold the EAP layer in a certain position after the drive signal has been removed by using a latch type structure. For example, the mechanical structure may comprise a retaining device, which has a plurality of retaining positions at which the electroactive polymer layer can be retained in a non-driven state, each retaining position corresponding to a different actuator position. In effect, this corresponds to a situation where one of the fixed ends 56 or 58 in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the previous examples has multiple locations relative to the other fixed end. Each of the retaining positions is thus defined by a quasi fixed end.

[0103] FIG. 6 shows an example in which the mechanical structure comprises a retaining device 80, which has a plurality of retaining positions 80a, 80b (two in this example shown) at which the electroactive polymer layer can be retained in a non-driven state, each retaining position corresponding to a different actuator position.

[0104] The device is shown in plan view in FIG. 6(a). FIGS. 6(b) to 6(d) show the device being driven from one actuator position to the other.

[0105] The EAP layer 82 is shown as a two layer structure, with an EAP part and a carrier, but it does not include a mechanically bistable element as in the examples above. The bistable property is given by the retaining device 80.

[0106] The EAP layer has a first edge part which is fixed as shown by support 84 and an opposite edge 86 which is movable, in particular into one of the notches 80a, 80b.

[0107] Actuation of the EAP layer is used to move the edge 86 of the EAP layer into one of the notches, to pass from one stable state to the other.

[0108] When the EAP is actuated, it will deflect upwards. Due to this deflection, the right edge will move inward. The moving edge 86 has a bar which moves over the notched rail. The notches are formed in such a manner that the edge of the EAP cannot travel back easily once it has passed over a notch. In a non-driven state, the notch still catches the edge of the EAP layer, preventing it from travelling back to its original position.

[0109] This leads two or more stable states in an actuation sequence.

[0110] FIG. 6(b) shows the most distal notch position being used. When actuation of the EAP layer is started, the layer begins to deform as shown in FIG. 8(c), Eventually, the edge is brought over the ridge leading to the proximal notch position as shown in FIG. 8(d).

[0111] The device can be reset electrically or mechanically.

[0112] The ridge after the innermost notch is higher, and this can be used for a reset function as shown in FIG. 6(e).

[0113] The edge bar is raised up the higher ramp and this is followed by a quick release, whereby the bar travels over the other notches back to the original state.

[0114] FIG. 6(f) shows how a return guide 88 and guard rail 89 may be added to assist the EAP in travelling over the other notches, back to its original position.

[0115] A small AC signal may be applied to wiggle the EAP back and forth as schematically shown in FIG. 6(f), allowing the edge bar to hop over the vertical edge of the notch, back to its former state.

[0116] Alternatively, an external force may be used to reset the moving edge to its initial stable state, for example by lowering the notched rail by pressing a button.

[0117] It will be clear from the various examples above, that the invention involves converting the analogue actuation structure behavior into a digital (two state or more than two states) functionality by making the actuation structure interact with another mechanical component which serves to discretize the actuation structure movement (actuation). This mechanical component is integrated with the actuation structure.

[0118] Materials suitable for the actuation structures known. Electro-active polymers include, but are not limited to, the sub-classes: piezoelectric polymers, electromechanical polymers, relaxor ferroelectric polymers, electrostrictive polymers, dielectric elastomers, liquid crystal elastomers, conjugated polymers, Ionic Polymer Metal Composites, ionic gels and polymer gels.

[0119] The sub-class electrostrictive polymers includes, but is not limited to:

[0120] Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), Polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene (PVDF-TrFE), Polyvinylidene fluoride trifluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene (PVDF-TrFE-CFE), Polyvinylidene fluoride trifluoroethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE-CTFE), Polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF HFP), polyurethanes or blends thereof.

[0121] The sub-class dielectric elastomers includes, but is not limited to:

[0122] acrylates, polyurethanes, silicones.

[0123] The sub-class conjugated polymers includes, but is not limited to:

[0124] polypyrrole, poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene, poly(p-phenylene sulfide), polyanilines.

[0125] Ionic devices may be based on ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) or conjugated polymers. An ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) is a synthetic composite nanomaterial that displays artificial muscle behavior under an applied voltage or electric field.

[0126] A first notable subclass of Field driven EAPs are Piezoelectric and Electrostrictive polymers. While the electromechanical performance of traditional piezoelectric polymers is limited, a breakthrough in improving this performance has led to PVDF relaxor polymers, which show spontaneous electric polarization (field driven alignment). These materials can be pre-strained for improved performance in the strained direction (pre-strain leads to better molecular alignment). Normally, metal electrodes are used since strains usually are in the moderate regime (1-5%). Other types of electrodes (such as conducting polymers, carbon black based oils, gels or elastomers, etc.) can also be used. The electrodes can be continuous, or segmented.

[0127] Another subclass of interest of filed driven EAPs is that of Dielectric elastomers. A thin film of this material may be sandwiched between compliant electrodes, forming a parallel plate capacitor. In the case of dielectric elastomers, the Maxwell stress induced by the applied electric field results in a stress on the film, causing it to contract in thickness and expand in area. Strain performance is typically enlarged by pre-straining the elastomer (requiring a frame to hold the pre-strain). Strains can be considerable (10-300%). This also constrains the type of electrodes that can be used: for low and moderate strains, metal electrodes and conducting polymer electrodes can be considered, for the high-strain regime, carbon black based oils, gels or elastomers are typically used. The electrodes can be continuous, or segmented.

[0128] A first notable subclass of ionic EAPs is Ionic Polymer Metal Composites (IPMCs). IPMCs consist of a solvent swollen ion-exchange polymer membrane laminated between two thin metal or carbon based electrodes and requires the use of an electrolyte. Typical electrode materials are Pt, Gd, CNTs, CPs, Pd. Typical electrolytes are Li+ and Na+ water-based solutions. When a field is applied, cations typically travel to the cathode side together with water. This leads to reorganization of hydrophilic clusters and to polymer expansion. Strain in the cathode area leads to stress in rest of the polymer matrix resulting in bending towards the anode. Reversing the applied voltage inverts bending. Well known polymer membranes are Nafion and Flemion.

[0129] Another notable subclass of Ionic polymers is Conjugated/conducting polymers. A conjugated polymer actuator typically consists of an electrolyte sandwiched by two layers of the conjugated polymer. The electrolyte is used to change oxidation state. When a potential is applied to the polymer through the electrolyte, electrons are added to or removed from the polymer, driving oxidation and reduction. Reduction results in contraction, oxidation in expansion.

[0130] In some cases, thin film electrodes are added when the polymer itself lacks sufficient conductivity (dimension-wise). The electrolyte can be a liquid, a gel or a solid material (i.e. complex of high molecular weight polymers and metal salts). Most common conjugated polymers are polypyrolle (PPy), Polyaniline (PANi) and polythiophene (PTh).

[0131] An actuator may also be formed of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), suspended in an electrolyte. The electrolyte forms a double layer with the nanotubes, allowing injection of charges. This double-layer charge injection is considered as the primary mechanism in CNT actuators. The CNT acts as an electrode capacitor with charge injected into the CNT, which is then balanced by an electrical double-layer formed by movement of electrolytes to the CNT surface. Changing the charge on the carbon atoms results in changes of CC bond length. As a result, expansion and contraction of single CNT can be observed

[0132] In more detail, IPMCs are composed of an ionic polymer like Nafion or Flemion whose surfaces are chemically plated or physically coated with conductors such as platinum or gold, or carbon-based electrodes. Under an applied voltage, ion migration and redistribution due to the imposed voltage across a strip of IPMCs result in a bending deformation. The polymer is a solvent swollen ion-exchange polymer membrane. The field causes cations travel to cathode side together with water. This leads to reorganization of hydrophilic clusters and to polymer expansion. Strain in the cathode area leads to stress in rest of the polymer matrix resulting in bending towards the anode. Reversing the applied voltage inverts the bending.

[0133] If the plated electrodes are arranged in a non-symmetric configuration, the imposed voltage can induce all kinds of deformations such as twisting, rolling, torsioning, turning, and non-symmetric bending deformation.

[0134] In all of these examples, additional passive layers may be provided for influencing the electrical and/or mechanical behavior of the EAP layer in response to an applied electric field.

[0135] The EAP layer of each unit may be sandwiched between electrodes. The electrodes may be stretchable so that they follow the deformation of the EAP material layer.

[0136] Materials suitable for the electrodes are also known, and may for example be selected from the group consisting of thin metal films, such as gold, copper, or aluminum or organic conductors such as carbon black, carbon nanotubes, graphene, poly-aniline (PANI), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), e.g. poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). Metalized polyester films may also be used, such as metalized polyethylene terephthalate (PET), for example using an aluminum coating.

[0137] IPMCs are composed of an ionic polymer like Nafion or Flemion whose surfaces are chemically plated or physically coated with conductors such as platinum or gold, or carbon-based electrodes. Under an applied voltage, ion migration and redistribution due to the imposed voltage across a strip of IPMCs result in a bending deformation. The polymer is a solvent swollen ion-exchange polymer membrane. The field causes cations travel to cathode side together with water. This leads to reorganization of hydrophilic clusters and to polymer expansion. Strain in the cathode area leads to stress in rest of the polymer matrix resulting in bending towards the anode. Reversing the applied voltage inverts the bending. Optoactive materials also sometimes called photo-responsive shape change materials can be found in the prior art (which are incorporated by reference in their entirety) Examples are described in: [0138] Photo-Responsive Shape-Memory and Shape-Changing Liquid-Crystal Polymer Networks by Danish Iqbal, and Muhammad Haris Samiullah in Materials 2013, 6, 116-142; [0139] Large amplitude light-induced motion in high elastic modulus polymer actuators by Harris, K. D.; Cuypers, R.; Scheibe, P.; van Oosten, C. L.; Bastiaansen, C. W. M.; Lub, J.; Broer, D. J. in J. Mater. Chem. 2005, 15, 5043-5048; [0140] Synthesis of a Photoresponsive Liquid Crystalline Polymer Containing Azobenzene by Chensha Li, Chi-Wei Lo, Difeng Zhu, Chenhui Li, Ye Liu, Hongrui Jiang, in Macromol. Rapid Commun. 2009, 30, 1928-1935 2009; [0141] Optical Nano and Micro Actuator Technology, edited by George K. Knopf, Yukitoshi Otani, CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group, 2013; [0142] Light-driven actuators based on polymer films by Sergey S. Sarkisov; Michael J. Curley; LaQuieta Huey; Aisha B. Fields; in Optical Engineering Volume 45, Issue 3, March 2006; and [0143] Large amplitude light-induced motion in high elastic modulus polymer actuators by Harris, K. D., Cuypers, R., Scheibe, P., Oosten, C. L. van, Bastiaansen, C. W. M., Lub, J. & Broer, D. J. (2005). Journal of Materials Chemistry, 15(47), 5043-5048;

[0144] It will be evident to the person skilled in the art that when any of the materials of the above prior art is used in the device of the invention that an appropriate part for providing the appropriate drive signal can also be incorporated.

[0145] A preferred use of the device of the invention is in a passive matrix array configuration. A first example of passive matrix drive scheme is explained with reference to FIG. 7. This provides passive matrix addressing a line at a time, and with a common reset.

[0146] The array comprises a two dimensional array of rows and columns of bistable EAP devices, each with a bistable voltage (Vbi) at which a switching can just occur and reset voltage (Vres) a back switch voltage. Thus, from an initial non-actuated state, if the EAP device is driven above the bistable voltage (Vbi), the actuator will remain in its actuated state when the voltage is removed. If the EAP device is driven below (or to) the bistable voltage (Vbi), the actuator will return to its non-actuated state when the voltage is removed. Furthermore, from an initial actuated state if the EAP device is driven above a reset voltage (Vres), the actuator returns to its non-actuated state when the voltage is removed.

[0147] In preferred embodiments the bistable voltage (Vbi) exceeds the additional driving voltage range (Vdr) required to ensure that the EAP device sufficiently exceeds the bistable point and will remain actuated: namely Vbi>Vdr.

[0148] The array is driven by row drivers capable of providing 2-level addressing signals of 0V and Vbi and column drivers capable of providing two-level data driving signals of 0V and Vdr.

[0149] Addressing the array proceeds in the manner shown in FIG. 7 where an example of a 44 array is considered. The addressing steps are:

1. The array of bistable EAP actuators are all in their non-actuated state.
2. All rows are initially addressed with 0V. In this situation, the maximum voltage difference across an EAP device is Vdr (the maximum voltage from a column driver). As this is below Vbi, all EAP actuators in the array will remain in the non-actuated mode after removal of the voltage.
3. The first row is addressed with Vbi. This is shown in FIG. 7(a). Two columns are driven with voltage Vdr, and two columns are driven with 0V. In this situation, the voltage difference across two of the EAP devices is Vdr+Vbi (using the maximum voltage from a column driver, Vdr). As this is above Vbi, these two EAP actuators in the row will be driven to an actuated state which will result in the actuated state even upon removal of voltage. These two EAP devices are shown as solid circles. Non-actuated EAP devices are shown as empty circles. The voltage difference across the other two EAP devices is 0V+Vbi=Vbi (using the minimum voltage from a column driver, 0V), whereby these two EAP devices in the row will initially be in an actuated state but it will relax to the non-actuated state upon removal of voltage. This is because the EAP device must be driven to above Vbi to remain actuated when voltage is removed.
4. The second row is addressed with Vbi as shown in FIG. 7(b). Due to the bistable nature of the EAP devices, the EAP devices in the first row remain in their state of actuation. Again, in this example the same two columns are driven with the drive voltage Vdr, and two columns are driven with 0V. In this situation, the voltage difference across two of the EAP devices is Vdr+Vbi (using the maximum voltage from a column driver, Vdr). As this is above Vbi, these two EAP devices in the second row will be in an actuated state and will remain in the actuated state upon removal of voltage. The voltage difference across the other two EAP devices is 0V+Vbi=Vbi (using the minimum voltage from a column driver, 0V), whereby these the EAP devices in the row will be in an actuated state which will revert to the non-actuated state upon removal of voltage. At the end of this phase, the desired EAP devices in the first and second rows remain actuated.
5. The third row is addressed with Vbi as shown in FIG. 7 (c). The EAP devices in the first and second rows remain in their state of actuation since the maximum voltage is Vdr (and Vdr<Vbi). Now three columns are driven with the drive voltage Vdr, and only one column with 0V. In this situation, the voltage difference across three of the EAP devices is Vdr+Vbi (using the maximum voltage from a column driver, Vdr). As this is above Vbi, these three EAP devices in the third row will be in an actuated state which will be retained upon removal of voltage. The voltage difference across the other EAP device is 0V+Vbi=Vbi (using the minimum voltage from a column driver, 0V), whereby this EAP device in the third row will be in the actuated state which will revert to the non-actuated state upon removal of voltage. At the end of this phase, the desired EAP devices in the first, second and third rows remain actuated.
6. The fourth row is addressed with Vbi as shown in FIG. 7(d). Again, the EAP devices in the first, second and third rows remain in their state of actuation. Now one column is driven with the drive voltage Vdr, and three columns with 0V. In this situation, the voltage difference across one of the EAP devices is Vdr+Vbi (using the maximum voltage from a column driver, Vdr) and this EAP device will be in the actuated state which will be retained upon removal of voltage. The voltage difference across the other three EAP devices is 0V+Vbi=Vbi (using the minimum voltage from a column driver, 0V), whereby these three EAP devices will be in the actuated state which will revert to the non-actuated state upon removal of voltage. At the end of this phase, the desired EAP devices in the all rows remain actuated.
7. At the end of the addressing phase, all voltages can be removed from the rows and columns and the EAP devices will remain in the same state of actuation. This is the desired bistable behavior enabling extremely low power operation of the EAP device array.
8. When a new EAP actuation pattern is required, in this embodiment a reset is applied to actuators in all rows and columns of the array.

[0150] The reset mode may be implemented by using a 3 level row or column drive voltage, so that the reset can be carried out per row or column. The driver with the lowest voltage may be used for this purpose. Alternatively, the whole array may be reset by superimposing a series voltage (Vres) on all row drivers, or alternatively a series voltage Vres-Vbi on all row drivers while addressing them all at Vbi. The row drivers can then still be 2 level drivers.

[0151] Alternatively, the reset may be performed mechanically, for example using pressure.

[0152] All EAP devices are reset to their non-actuated state. Since EAP devices are symmetric in deformation, the reset voltage must be converted to an opposing actuation in the EAP by an additional mechanism. This may be by applying a reset voltage (Vres), as explained above for actuators of the type described with reference to FIG. 6. This reset voltage may be applied to all columns with 0V applied to all rows, or Vbi may be applied to all rows and VresVbi applied to the columns. Instead, the reset may be applied to all rows, by applying Vres to the rows and holding the columns at 0V. Any combination of voltages can be used as long as the voltage across each EAP device reaches Vres.

[0153] Alternatively, the reset can be applied by an actuator working against the functional actuator, so it is able to drive a mechanical reset. This opposing actuator could be a single actuator or set of individual actuators which are all connected to the same (reset) driver. Various possible configurations using multiple EAP devices to enable electrical reset functionality are explained above.

9. When a new pattern of actuation is required, addressing of the array proceeds again in the line-at-a-time manner described above, whereby a new pattern of actuation can be created.

[0154] A second example of passive matrix drive scheme is a modification to the drive scheme explained with reference to FIG. 5 to provide addressing a line at a time, and also resetting a line at a time. This requires a modification only to step 8 above.

[0155] When a new EAP actuation pattern is required, a reset is applied only to one row of the array at a time. Subsequently, the reset row is addressed in the line-at-a-time manner described above, whereby a new pattern of actuation can be created in that row.

[0156] To reset one row, the EAP devices in all other rows must have a voltage below Vbi+Vdr to avoid resetting them. Furthermore, to avoid any EAP response, the other rows should be maintained at 0V. The EAP devices in the row being reset must have a voltage applied which exceeds Vres. For example, the row to be reset may have Vres applied and all other rows may be held at 0V. The columns may all be held at 0V.

[0157] In this way, only those rows which require resetting need to be addressed, which improves the resetting time of the array. In addition, the EAP devices in the non-reset rows will continue to carry out their actuation without an interruption of actuation.

[0158] As mentioned above, various reset mechanisms are possible. FIG. 3 shows one possible reset mechanism based on the application of a force.

[0159] Alternatively the EAP devices can be glued together, but still can be activated separately from each other. In this case, when one EAP device is activated both EAP devices will bend since they are glued together, but the force acting on the bistable lid is only delivered by one EAP. Again, only when the second EAP is activated is sufficient force generated to bring the bistable lid in the other state.

[0160] The drive scheme explained above uses row by row addressing of the EAP devices. In other embodiments, it may be desired to address several rows of EAP devices (with the same set of EAP actuation states) at the same moment, whereby the addressing will proceed more quickly. This is achieved by applying an addressing voltage to more than one row of EAP devices at the same time.

[0161] Clearly, as the array as drawn is symmetric it would also be possible to apply the addressing driver to the columns and the data driving to the rows, whereby the array would be addressed one column (or multiple columns) at a time.

[0162] In the above examples, only a two level data driver is considered (0V and Vdr). This will result in the lowest cost driver IC's. However in alternative embodiments it may be preferred to also leave the EAP devices partially actuated after the voltage is removed for example as would be possible for the multi-stable actuator of FIG. 8. To enable this, a data driver with multiple data voltages up to Vdr may be used.

[0163] Reduced voltage drivers may also be possible for actuators with a perfect step function displacement as shown in FIG. 8. This means Vdr=0. Reduced voltage drivers may be used for example when the magnitude of the voltage Vbi is at least five times the magnitude of the drive voltage Vdr. For a perfect step as shown in FIG. 8, the columns may then be driven with voltages V1>Vbi/2 with rows at V2=Vbi/2.

[0164] V1 is slightly larger than Vbi/2, for instance Vbi/2+. Together V1+V2>Vbi is enough to realize an actuated state which will be retained upon removal of voltage. This has an advantage that the driving voltage by each driver can be kept as low as possible (which limits cost of the ICs). It also ensures that the voltage on the non-actuated EAP devices in the matrix is much lower than Vbi, which allows for some margin should the bistable voltage of the EAP decrease over time or due to temperature fluctuations. Also the non-actuated EAP devices are only electrically stressed by Vbi/2 instead of Vbi, which could also increase lifetime.

[0165] All values of V1 up to Vbi and V2 up to Vdr are also possible as intermediate solutions, when a trade-off between driving voltage and EAP actuation range is needed.

[0166] In the above embodiments, a negative voltage is applied to the rows to be addressed and a positive voltage is applied to the data lines. It is possible to reverse the polarity of both voltages whilst obtaining the same actuation. Indeed, in further embodiments it may be preferred to invert the polarity of the voltages at regular intervals to provide inversion driving which can be used to prevent deterioration of the performance of the EAP device over time.

[0167] Thus, the device of the invention may be used as a single actuator, or else there may be a line or array of the devices, for example to provide control of a 2D or 3D contour.

[0168] The invention can be applied in many EAP applications, including examples where a passive matrix array of actuators is of interest, in particular as a result of the threshold function described above for some actuator examples.

[0169] In many applications the main function of the product relies on the (local) manipulation of human tissue, or the actuation of tissue contacting interfaces. In such applications EAP actuators provide unique benefits mainly because of the small form factor, the flexibility and the high energy density. Hence EAP's can be easily integrated in soft, 3D-shaped and/or miniature products and interfaces. Examples of such applications are:

[0170] Skin cosmetic treatments such as skin actuation devices in the form of EAP-based skin patches which apply a constant or cyclic stretch to the skin in order to tension the skin or to reduce wrinkles;

[0171] Respiratory devices with a patient interface mask which has an EAP-based active cushion or seal, to provide an alternating normal pressure to the skin which reduces or prevents facial red marks;

[0172] Electric shavers with an adaptive shaving head. The height of the skin contacting surfaces can be adjusted using EAP actuators in order to influence the balance between closeness and irritation;

[0173] Oral cleaning devices such as an air floss with a dynamic nozzle actuator to improve the reach of the spray, especially in the spaces between the teeth. Alternatively, toothbrushes may be provided with activated tufts; Consumer electronics devices or touch panels which provide local haptic feedback via an array of EAP transducers which is integrated in or near the user interface;

[0174] Catheters with a steerable tip to enable easy navigation in tortuous blood vessels.

[0175] Another category of relevant application which benefits from EAP actuators relates to the modification of light. Optical elements such as lenses, reflective surfaces, gratings etc. can be made adaptive by shape or position adaptation using EAP actuators. Here the benefits of EAPs are for example the lower power consumption.

[0176] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word comprising does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article a or an does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.