Fluid-driven artificial muscles as mechanisms for controlled actuation

US7837144B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Techno-Sciences, Inc. · US
• University of Maryland · US

Inventors

• Curt S. Kothera · Crofton, US
• Benjamin K. S. Woods · College Park, US
• Jayant Sirohi · Milford, US
• Norman M. Wereley · Potomac, US
• Peter Chen · Plainsboro, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 11, 2006
• Grant date: Nov 23, 2010
• Expiry date: Aug 11, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T50/30
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A fluid contact surface actuation system for a vehicle, including a first fluid contact surface constructed and arranged to act against a first fluid passing over the first fluid contact surface; and a first fluid actuator coupled to the first fluid contact surface to move the first fluid contact surface between a first position and a second position to enable control of the vehicle in a predetermined manner, the first fluid actuator having a first resilient bladder that receives a second fluid such that pressure of the second fluid moves the first bladder between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration.