Multiple arm smart material actuator with second stage
US8729774B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 9, 2011 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 9, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10N30/88
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An actuator apparatus comprising a smart material device, a compensator, a movable supporting member, at least three mechanical webs, at least three actuating arms, and a second stage assembly is disclosed wherein the mechanical webs comprise a first resilient member attached to the compensator and a second resilient member attached to said movable supporting member. A piezoelectric or smart material device is affixed between the first mounting surface and the compensator. The actuating arms comprise a first actuating arm end attached to one mechanical web and a second actuating arm end attached to the second stage assembly. The second stage assembly comprises resilient strips having a first end attached to the actuating arm and a second end attached to a second stage attachment surface. Application of an electrical potential causes the smart material device to expand, thereby urging the movable supporting member away from the compensator and causing the first and second resilient members to flex. This in turn causes the actuating arms to move. The resilient strips urge the second stage attachment surface in a direction substantially parallel to the smart material device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.