Programmable variable spring member
US6923299B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 23, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 2, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16F15/0232
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A variable spring member includes a containment housing defining an inner chamber with alternating layers of compressible medium and electro-reactive medium. Adjacent each layer of electro-reactive medium is a coil assembly controlled by a controller. A sealed plate disposed between alternating layers of compressible medium and electro-reactive medium disperses a load exerted on the variable spring member assembly and prevents intermixing of compressible medium with the electro-reactive medium. Actuation of the coil assembly changes physical characteristics and compressibility of the layer of electro-reactive medium to vary spring rate and stiffness.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.