Compliant motion distribution system
US9322506B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 2, 2011 |
| Grant date | Apr 26, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 1, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16M2200/061
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A force distribution arrangement is configured as an array of compliant building blocks, each having a plurality of leg elements having respective leg thickness distribution and leg lengths. The plurality of leg elements are, in some embodiments, of uniform thickness and uniform leg length. The legs are joined to one another at corresponding compliant nodes, and are integrally formed. The array is constrained at a first end thereof, and optionally at a second end thereof. A membrane is arranged to overlie the array, and a control point is affixed to the array and optionally to the membrane that overlies the array. The membrane is formed of a compliant material or fabric. A further array is arranged in some applications at a predetermined orientation with respect to the first array. The arrays have respective actuation force response characteristics to achieve contour upon the application of actuation forces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.