Smart structures for vibration suppression
First Claim
1. A pre-formed control patch for controlling strain in a foundation member, the patch comprising a base, a piezoelectric sensor and a piezoelectric actuator located in operative relative relationship, means for placing the patch in operative relationship with the foundation member whereby the sensor detects a strain in the foundation member and whereby the actuator imparts a strain-inducing force to the foundation member, and including means for connecting control electronics in operative relationship with the patch.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Modular control patches including assemblies of sensors and actuators are provided to impart or control vibration of foundation members such as struts in aerospace apparatus. Local analog electronic control means is associated with each control patch assembly. Patches are attached mechanically or by chemical bonding to the outside of the struts. The corresponding electronics can be selectively removed and replaced. The patch being the sensors and actuators may also be attached or embedded with a composite structure.
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Citations
30 Claims
- 1. A pre-formed control patch for controlling strain in a foundation member, the patch comprising a base, a piezoelectric sensor and a piezoelectric actuator located in operative relative relationship, means for placing the patch in operative relationship with the foundation member whereby the sensor detects a strain in the foundation member and whereby the actuator imparts a strain-inducing force to the foundation member, and including means for connecting control electronics in operative relationship with the patch.
- 11. A device for controlling strain in a foundation member comprising an assembly being a piezoelectric sensor and a piezoelectric actuator located in operative relative relationship, local control electronics, means for operatively connecting the local control electronics between the assembly of the sensor and the actuator, and means for placing the assembly in operative relationship with the foundation member whereby the sensor detects a strain in the foundation member and whereby the local control electronics processes a signal from the sensor and activates the actuator, and the actuator imparts a force to the foundation member.
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22. A pre-formed control patch for controlling strain in a foundation member, the patch comprising a base;
- a piezoelectric first sensor and a plurality of piezoelectric actuators located in operative relative relationship, the actuators being located in a string array and fixedly located on the base;
an intermediate encapsulation layer having cavities for the actuators, the intermediate encapsulation layer being fixedly located on the base and the actuators, the first sensor being fixedly located on the intermediate encapsulation layer in co-located relation with the string array of actuators;
a second piezoelectric sensor fixedly located on the intermediate encapsulation layer and spaced laterally in nearly-colocated relation with the string array;
an outer encapsulation layer having cavities for the sensors, the outer encapsulation layer being fixedly located on the intermediate encapsulation layer and the sensors;
a graphite tape overwrap affixed to the outer encapsulation layer; and
means for placing the patch in operative relationship with the foundation member whereby the sensor detects a strain in the foundation member and whereby the actuators impart a strain-inducing force to the foundation member;
means for connecting control electronics in operative relationship with the patch.
- a piezoelectric first sensor and a plurality of piezoelectric actuators located in operative relative relationship, the actuators being located in a string array and fixedly located on the base;
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23. A method for controlling strain in a foundation member comprising the steps of providing an assembly comprising a piezoelectric sensor and a piezoelectric actuator;
- locating the assembly in operative relative relationship with the foundation member; and
connecting local control electronics between the sensor and the actuator without coupling strain between the assembly and the local control electronics, whereby when the sensor detects a strain in the foundation member the control electronics processes a signal from the sensor for the actuator, the actuator imparts a force to the foundation member. - View Dependent Claims (24)
- locating the assembly in operative relative relationship with the foundation member; and
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25. A method of controlling strain in a foundation member comprising the steps of providing an assembly comprising a base, a piezoelectric sensor and a piezoelectric actuator coupled to the base;
- locating the assembly in operative relative relationship on the foundation member; and
connecting control electronics in operative relationship with the assembly, whereby the sensor detects a strain in the foundation member and whereby the actuator imparts a force to the foundation member in response to the strain. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
- locating the assembly in operative relative relationship on the foundation member; and
Specification