Method of designing rotary thermal actuator and rotary thermal actuator
US7719161B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 5, 2007 |
| Grant date | May 18, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 13, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF03G7/0616
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Provided are a method of designing a rotary thermal actuator and a rotary thermal actuator. The method includes setting the shape of an entire design domain; dividing the entire design domain into a predetermined number of domains which are symmetrical to one another in a rotational direction from the center of the entire design domain; designing the domains using a topology optimization method which uses a driving stage disposed at the center of the entire design domain, an initial shape of thermal expansion members which connect electrodes disposed at outer boundaries of the entire design domain, material properties of the thermal expansion members, and boundary conditions of the domains; and designing the entire design domain such that the designed domains are symmetrical to one another in the rotational direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.