Active material actuator regulation utilizing piezoelectric and piezoresistive effect

US8179018B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• Xiujie Gao · Troy, US
• Alan L. Browne · Grosse Pointe, US
• Nancy L. Johnson · Northville, US
• Paul W. Alexander · Ypsilanti, US
• Lei Hao · Troy, US
• Ke Dong · San Jose, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 25, 2009
• Grant date: May 15, 2012
• Expiry date: Nov 13, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H10N35/101

Abstract

An active material actuator adapted for use in a circuit includes an active material member, and a piezoelectric or piezoresistive element or otherwise force sensing device, wherein the element or device is communicatively coupled to the member and operable to vary the current within the circuit when the member is caused to achieve a predetermined stress, such that, in one aspect, the element presents an overload protection mechanism.