Actuator system including an active material

US8436571B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• Lei Hao · Troy, US
• Chandra S. Namuduri · Troy, US
• Kenneth J. Shoemaker · Cadillac, US
• Suresh Gopalakrishnan · Troy, US
• Sanjeev M. Naik · Troy, US
• Xiujie Gao · Troy, US
• Paul W. Alexander · Ypsilanti, US
• Richard J. Skurkis · Lake Orion, US
• Tony J. Deschutter · St. Clair Shores, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 21, 2010
• Grant date: May 7, 2013
• Expiry date: Jul 30, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01H61/0107
• WIPO field: Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A linear actuator associated with an actuator system for a device includes a wire cable fabricated from an active material. The linear actuator couples to the device and to the moveable element. The active material induces strain in the linear actuator in response to an activation signal. The linear actuator translates the moveable element relative to the device in response to the induced strain. An activation controller electrically connects to the linear actuator and generates the activation signal. A position feedback sensor monitors a position of the moveable element.