Smart material actuator with enclosed compensator
US8850892B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 17, 2011 |
| Grant date | Oct 7, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02N2/186
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An actuator driven by a smart material device and suitable for use as an actuator, energy capture device, or sensor, having an enclosed compensator, potting material, at least one actuating arm, and two mechanical webs and a movable supporting member adapted such that application of a suitable electric potential causes a change in shape of the smart material device, thereby flexing the mechanical webs and causing movement of the actuating arm. As an energy capture device or sensor, external motion causes the actuating arm to move, thereby causing the smart material device to generate recoverable electrical energy or an electric signal indicating motion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.