Membrane position control

US6724130B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Ji Su · Highland Park, US
• Joycelyn S. Harrison · Hampton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 23, 2000
• Grant date: Apr 20, 2004
• Expiry date: Oct 27, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H10N30/88
• WIPO field: Macromolecular chemistry, polymers
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A membrane structure includes at least one electroactive bending actuator fixed to a supporting base. Each electroactive bending actuator is operatively connected to the membrane for controlling membrane position. Any displacement of each electroactive bending actuator effects displacement of the membrane. More specifically, the operative connection is provided by a guiding wheel assembly and a track, wherein displacement of the bending actuator effects translation of the wheel assembly along the track, thereby imparting movement to the membrane.