Electrochemical actuator

Abstract

The present invention provides systems, devices, and related methods, involving electrochemical actuation. In some cases, application of a voltage or current to a system or device of the invention may generate a volumetric or dimensional change, which may produce mechanical work. For example, at least a portion of the system may be constructed and arranged to be displaced from a first orientation to a second orientation. Systems such as these may be useful in various applications, including pumps (e.g., infusion pumps) and drug delivery devices, for example.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An actuator system constructed and arranged to be displaced from a first orientation to a second orientation, comprising:
 at least one electrochemical cell comprising a negative electrode and a positive electrode,   wherein one or both of the negative and positive electrodes is an actuator, and comprises a first portion and a second portion, and   wherein upon charge and/or discharge, a species is intercalated, de-intercalated, alloys with, oxidizes, reduces, or plates with the first portion to a different extent than the second portion, and experiences a resulting dimensional change relative to the second portion, thereby imparting to the actuator a differential strain between the first and second portions causing a displacement of at least a portion of the actuator,   which actuator displacement does mechanical work without the need to be coupled to a structure which does said work.   
     
     
         2 .- 151 . (canceled)