Apparatus for moving folded-back arms having a pair of opposing surfaces in response to an electrical activation
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An apparatus for moving at least one of a pair of opposing surfaces in response to an electrical activation comprising:
- a support having a rigid non-flexing portion, at least one pivotable folded-back arm portion extending from the rigid portion a pair of opposing surfaces with one opposing surface on the at least pivotable folded-back arm portion for movement relative to one another, and a rigid, non-flexing force transfer member operably positioned for driving the at least one pivotable folded-back arm portion in rotational movement with a loss of motion of less than 40%; and
an actuator operably engaged between the rigid non-flexing portion and the force transfer member to drive the force transfer member relative to the rigid portion to pivot the at least one pivotable folded-back arm portion in response to an electrical activation of the actuator.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A pizoelectric actuator assembly for actuating industrial control valves or clamps provides a compact actuator including a single piece main structure with integrated hinge, mechanical lever, and spring in a shape such that in response to electrical activation, the piezoelectric device transfers mechanical energy from a predetermined axis into the force transfer member operably positioned for driving at least one pivotable arm portion in rotational movement with a loss of motion of less than 40%.
-
Citations
25 Claims
-
1. An apparatus for moving at least one of a pair of opposing surfaces in response to an electrical activation comprising:
-
a support having a rigid non-flexing portion, at least one pivotable folded-back arm portion extending from the rigid portion a pair of opposing surfaces with one opposing surface on the at least pivotable folded-back arm portion for movement relative to one another, and a rigid, non-flexing force transfer member operably positioned for driving the at least one pivotable folded-back arm portion in rotational movement with a loss of motion of less than 40%; and
an actuator operably engaged between the rigid non-flexing portion and the force transfer member to drive the force transfer member relative to the rigid portion to pivot the at least one pivotable folded-back arm portion in response to an electrical activation of the actuator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 23)
-
-
10. An apparatus for moving at least one of a pair of opposing surfaces in response to an electrical activation comprising:
-
a support having a rigid non-flexing portion, first and second pivotable folded-back arm portions extending from the rigid portion such that the rigid portion is positioned interposed between the first and second pivotable folded-back arm portions, a pair of opposing surfaces with one opposing surface on each of the pivotable folded-back arm portions for movement relative to one another, and a rigid, non-flexing force transfer member operably positioned for driving the first and second pivotable folded-back arm portions in rotational movement with a loss of motion of less than 40%;
first and second flexible hinge web portions extending in close proximity to one another allowing flexing movement of the at least one rigid folded back arm with respect to the rigid portion and the force transfer member; and
an actuator operably engaged between the rigid non-flexing portion and the force transfer member to drive the force transfer member relative to the rigid portion to pivot the first and second pivotable folded-back arm portions in response to an electrical activation of the actuator. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 24)
-
-
19. An apparatus for moving at least one of a pair of opposing surfaces in response to an electrical activation comprising:
-
a support having a rigid non-flexing portion of generally U-shaped configuration with a web extending between a pair of rigid arm portions, first and second pivotable folded-back arm portions of generally L-shaped configuration extending from the rigid arm portions such that the rigid non-flexing portion is positioned interposed between the first and second pivotable folded-back arm portions, a pair of opposing surfaces with one opposing surface on each of the pivotable folded-back arm portions for movement relative to one another, and a rigid, non-flexing force transfer member operably positioned for driving the first and second pivotable folded-back arm portions in rotational movement with a loss of motion of less than 40%, such that the force transfer member is adjacent one end of the pivotable folded-back arm portions and the opposing surfaces of the pivotable folded-back arm portions are adjacent to the web of the rigid non-flexing portion of the support;
first and second flexible hinge web portions extending in close proximity to one another, the first hinge web portion extending between the force transfer member and operably associated with the at least one rigid folded back arm, the second hinge web portion extending between the rigid portion and the at least one rigid folded back arm; and
a piezoelectric actuator operably engaged between the rigid non-flexing portion and the force transfer member to drive the force transfer member relative to the rigid non-flexing portion to pivot the first and second pivotable folded-back arm portions in response to an electrical activation of the actuator. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 25)
-
Specification