초록 ▼

The method of the invention provides for actuating at least one actuator, such as a piezoelectric transducer in response to movement of a waveguide, such as an optical fiber. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, both the piezoelectric member and the optical fiber are connected to a structure.

The method of the invention provides for actuating at least one actuator, such as a piezoelectric transducer in response to movement of a waveguide, such as an optical fiber. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, both the piezoelectric member and the optical fiber are connected to a structure. The connection is such that movement of the structure is detected by corresponding variations in and/or back scattering from light transmitted into the optical fiber. The piezoelectric member is actuated in response to the movement of the structural member as detected by the variations in the light in passing through the optical fiber. The actuation of the piezoelectric member may effect a dampening of the initial structural movement. Alternatively, monitoring the light passing through the fiber may be used as feed back on the position of the structural member, which in turn may be used to reposition the structural member by further actuation of a piezoelectric member.

대표청구항

A method of actuating a portion of a structure, comprising: providing an actuation system, said actuation system comprising a piezoelectric actuator member and an optical fiber, and actuating said actuator member in response to movement of said optical fiber.

A method of actuating a portion of a structure, comprising: providing an actuation system, said actuation system comprising a piezoelectric actuator member and an optical fiber, and actuating said actuator member in response to movement of said optical fiber.