초록 ▼

An actuator (1) having at least one triggerable element (4,5) of variable lengths made of a multifunctional material (6) for large regulating distances is disclosed. The multifunctional material is arranged in layers on a deformable platform carrier structure 93), the carrier structure and the multi

An actuator (1) having at least one triggerable element (4,5) of variable lengths made of a multifunctional material (6) for large regulating distances is disclosed. The multifunctional material is arranged in layers on a deformable platform carrier structure 93), the carrier structure and the multifunctional material being disposed symmetrically about a longitudinal center plane (7) of the actuator. The carrier structure includes at least a pair of arcuate sections formed on both sides of the longitudinal center plane of the actuator, each such arcuate section describing an arc of at least 180.degree.. The triggerable elements of variable lengths may be actuated with heat supplied by a separate heat source, or by electricity provided from a separate source of electricity so that the triggerable elements either expand or contract, thus moving a stringer (26) formed as a part of the carrier for performing the desired actuation function.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] An actuator for large regulating distances, said actuator comprising:at least one triggerable element of a variable length, said triggerable element being made of a multifunctional material;at least one deformable planiform carrier structure, said carrier structure being formed sym

[ We claim:] [1.] An actuator for large regulating distances, said actuator comprising:at least one triggerable element of a variable length, said triggerable element being made of a multifunctional material;at least one deformable planiform carrier structure, said carrier structure being formed symmetrically about a longitudinal center plane and having a first side surface, said multifunctional material of said at least one triggerable element being disposed in layers on said first side surface of said carrier structure;a first arcuate section formed as a part of said carrier structure along said longitudinal center plane, said first arcuate section describing an arc of at least 180.degree.;a second arcuate section formed as a part of said carrier structure along said longitudinal center plane, said second arcuate section describing an arc of at least 180.degree.;said first and second arcuate sections being spaced from, and being positioned symmetrically with respect to, one another about said longitudinal center plane;said at least one triggerable element being disposed on at least a portion of at least one of said arcuate sections; andat least one displacement transmission member operatively connected to said carrier structure, said displacement transmission member being positioned with respect to said arcuate sections and being constructed and arranged to move reciprocally toward and away from said carrier structure in a working direction along said longitudinal center plane in response to actuation of said triggerable element on said arcuate sections.