Cellular actuator device and methods of making and using same
First Claim
1. Cellular actuator device having a number of elementary cells, which are combined to a common arrangement and are formed by pressure-tight chambers, which elementary cells can be acted upon by a pressure medium and, when acted upon by the pressure medium, can be deformed in at least one work direction while changing their length, wherein the elementary cells are coupled for combining their length changes in the at least one working direction to an overall movement of the elementary cell arrangement.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A cellular actuator device suitable for a control surface of an aircraft or space craft has a number of elementary cells which are combined to a common arrangement and are formed by pressure-tight chambers. The elementary cells can be acted upon by a pressure medium and, when acted upon by the pressure medium, can be deformed in at least one work direction while changing their length. The elementary cells are coupled for combining their length changes in the at least one working direction to an overall movement of the elementary cell arrangement. The actuator device is particularly suitable for actuating a control surface of an aircraft or spacecraft.
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Citations
40 Claims
- 1. Cellular actuator device having a number of elementary cells, which are combined to a common arrangement and are formed by pressure-tight chambers, which elementary cells can be acted upon by a pressure medium and, when acted upon by the pressure medium, can be deformed in at least one work direction while changing their length, wherein the elementary cells are coupled for combining their length changes in the at least one working direction to an overall movement of the elementary cell arrangement.
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35. A cellular actuator device for a vehicle control surface, comprising:
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a plurality of variable size pressure tight chambers combined to form a common arrangement, said chambers being formed by elementary cells which are coupled together to facilitate dimensional changes in the common arrangement in dependence on changes in pressure in said chambers, and a fluid pressure controller for controlling pressure in said chambers. - View Dependent Claims (36)
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37. A method of making a cellular actuator device for a vehicle control surface, comprising:
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forming a plurality of pressure tight chamber having flexible chamber walls, connecting said pressure tight chambers to form a common arrangement with pressure connection between a plurality of said pressure tight chambers such that, in use, pressure control will change the shape of the common arrangement, and connecting a cover to said common arrangement, which cover in use forms at least a portion of vehicle control surface. - View Dependent Claims (38, 39, 40)
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Specification