Abstract: A structure including an electro-active-polymer (“EAP”). The structure can take the form of a strap, which includes two or more EAP film layers. The structure can further include one or more holders or end-grabbing portions. Methods of making and using the EAP structure are also envisioned.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to an actuator which includes at least the following: a pre-stretched electro-active polymer film being pre-stretched in a single or biaxial planar directions; at least one first semi-stiff conductor attached to a first surface of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film, wherein the first surface is parallel to the single or biaxial planar stretch directions; at least one second semi-stiff conductor attached to a second surface of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film, wherein the second surface is opposite to the first surface; where the semi-stiff conductors are configured to: fix the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film in a pre-stretched state and allow the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film to expand; a pair of mechanical connectors coupled to each end of an active region of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to an actuator which includes at least the following: a pre-stretched electro-active polymer film being pre-stretched in a single or biaxial planar directions; at least one first semi-stiff conductor attached to a first surface of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film, wherein the first surface is parallel to the single or biaxial planar stretch directions; at least one second semi-stiff conductor attached to a second surface of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film, wherein the second surface is opposite to the first surface; where the semi-stiff conductors are configured to: fix the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film in a pre-stretched state and allow the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film to expand; a pair of mechanical connectors coupled to each end of an active region of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to an exemplary inventive method having steps of: providing at least one housing having a pre-determined physical structure; fixing a first edge of at least one electro-active polymer (EAP) film within the at least one housing; connecting a first edge of at least one pulling mechanism to a second edge of the at least one EAP film; where a second edge of the at least one pulling mechanism extends outside of the at least one housing; sufficiently pulling at the second edge of the at least one pulling mechanism to form at least one pre-stretched EAP film that has been stretched in a first axial direction within the at least one housing by a first pre-determined, pre-stretched amount; and where the pre-determined, pre-stretched amount is limited by the pre-determined physical structure of the housing.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to an actuator which includes at least the following: a pre-stretched electro-active polymer film being pre-stretched in a single or biaxial planar directions; at least one first semi-stiff conductor attached to a first surface of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film, wherein the first surface is parallel to the single or biaxial planar stretch directions; at least one second semi-stiff conductor attached to a second surface of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film, wherein the second surface is opposite to the first surface; where the semi-stiff conductors are configured to: fix the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film in a pre-stretched state and allow the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film to expand; a pair of mechanical connectors coupled to each end of an active region of the pre-stretched electro-active polymer film.