| Temperature compensating insert and integral thermal compensation for a smart material actuator -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
  Temperature compensating insert and integral thermal compensation for a smart material actuatorUSPTO Application #: 20060017349Title: Temperature compensating insert and integral thermal compensation for a smart material actuator Abstract: An apparatus can have a smart material actuator, a support structure and at least one temperature compensating material insert, either externally mounted to the support structure, integrally formed with the support structure, or any combination thereof. The structure of the apparatus can be formed of various materials with different Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE). The apparatus can include a mechanically leveraged electrically stimulated smart material. The support structure and actuator can be susceptible to the effects of differences in thermal coefficients of expansion of the materials used in the construction. A method for dimensioning and placement of a compensating insert with respect to the support structure provides an accurate and cost effective compensating insert. Furthermore, a method of compensating for differences in the rate of thermal expansion in one or more elements of an actuator is included with the present invention. (end of abstract) Agent: Young & Basile, P.C. - Troy, MI, US Inventors: Jeff Moler, John A. Bugel, Mark Oudshoorn USPTO Applicaton #: 20060017349 - Class: 310311000 (USPTO) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060017349. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 10/613,138 filed on Jul. 3, 2003, which claimed the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 60/393,799 filed Jul. 3, 2002, and patent application Ser. No. 10/993,118 filed on Nov. 19, 2004, which claimed the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 60/523,808 filed Nov. 20, 2003, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a temperature compensating apparatus and method for a mechanically leveraged smart material actuator. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Various smart material actuator technologies have been developed for a wide range of applications in different industries. One component used in this type of actuator is an electrically stimulated smart material actuator. These smart material actuators when electrically stimulated change shape. This shape change can be designed such that one axis predominantly changes. Such a smart material actuator can be incorporated within a main support structure. As the axis of the smart material actuator changes dimension its motion is magnified by a lever integral to the main support structure. As a result of the magnification factor developed by the main support structure, extremely small differences of thermal coefficients of expansion between the smart material and main support structure can create relatively large movements of output in the main support structure over normal operating temperature ranges. This movement can be as much as fifty percent of the usable output of the actuator system. [0004] Previous designs place the compensating element in line with the smart material. This method suffers from several problems. One such problem is the length of the compensating element inserted between the main body and the smart material increases the overall length of the actuator. Further smart materials are capable of delivering large amounts of force, so the compensating element must be sufficiently stiff to prevent a reduction of the force and movement performance of the actuator while acting as the inline compensating element. This is a difficult combination to achieve with inexpensive materials. [0005] Another common design is to place sleeves with different coefficients of thermal expansion around the smart material causing the cavity that captures the smart material to expand and contract with temperature. This system uses several parts, all of which are complex, and costly to machine and increases the overall size making it less desirable. [0006] Electro-mechanical actuators are a well-known means to convert electrical energy into mechanical force and motion. Historically this has been accomplished via electromagnetic devices such as solenoids. A method receiving increasing application recently involves the use of various smart materials such as magnetostrictive or piezoelectric devices. In the case of piezoelectric devices, Ceramic Multilayer Actuators (CMA) are particularly attractive due to their ability to generate extremely high forces, potentially thousands of Newtons. On the other hand, such CMAs will generate such force over a very limited range of motion, on the order of 0.15% of the length of the CMA. In the case of a CMA 40 mm in length, free deflection, expansion of the CMA without a counteracting force applied to the stack, would be approximately 0.06 mm. The combination of such a high force with such a limited movement has been one of the impediments to broad use of CMAs in typical industrial and commercial applications. For example, a valve may require a total stroke of approximately 1 mm and a force of approximately 10N. To achieve the force and stroke for such a valve and a variety of alternate applications, various mechanisms have been designed to convert the excess force into increased motion. Examples of such mechanisms are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,131 to Fujimoto, U.S. Pat. No. 4,570,095 to Utchikawa, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,759,790 to Bugel et al. [0007] Each mechanism converts a portion of the force of the CMA to additional stroke at the working end of the stroke amplification mechanism. The actual structural magnitude of this amplification is dependent on the specific configuration. A key objective of this type of approach to amplifying the stroke of a CMA is to maximize the efficiency of the transfer of force into stroke. As an example, the mechanism described by Utchikawa in U.S. Pat. No. 4,570,095 teaches converting only 60% of the available deflection. A critical element in achieving higher transfer efficiency is the rigidity or stiffness of the support structure surrounding the CMA. The invention described by Bugel et al in U.S. Pat. No. 6,759,790, illustrates a design that can achieve such a high rigidity. It is therefore important to carry this support structure stiffness into designs incorporating other features such as a thermal compensation mechanism. [0008] In general, stroke amplifying mechanisms are constructed of metallic materials, for example steel. Each such material has an identifiable and generally well known Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE). This CTE is a measure of the rate and direction of expansion of a material with a change in temperature of that material. The CMA used to drive the amplifying mechanism also has a CTE. In general, the CTE of the CMAs differ from those of the materials typically used in such amplifying mechanisms. For example, a 17/4 grade of stainless steel that might be used in the support structure and amplifying mechanism of the current invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1, has a typical CTE of around 11.times.10.sup.-6 per degree Celsius. Similarly, it is generally recognized that the CMA has a slightly negative CTE of around approximately -1.times.10.sup.-6 to approximately -3.times.10.sup.-6 per degree Celsius. This difference in CTE between the steel mechanical structure and the CMA will result in a change in the force applied on the amplifying mechanism during a change in ambient temperature conditions. This force will effectively be added to the force applied by the CMA to the amplifying mechanism and will, in turn, contribute to the stroke and force output of the amplifying mechanism. Such a thermal effect can result in an improper operation of a device, such as the previously mentioned valve, using such an actuating mechanism. If, for example, the difference in CTE is such that it results in a reduction in the force applied to the stroke amplifying mechanism, the amount of stroke and associated force will be less than the expected amount. This reduction in stroke or force could cause an associated valve to demonstrate a flow rate that is less than nominal or inadequate sealing force resulting in leaking. [0009] Various methods have been attempted to compensate for, or eliminate, this difference in CTE. For example, Salim in "Kleinste Objecte im Griff" (F&M 09/1996) describes a stroke amplifying mechanism that is constructed of silicon. This approach does minimize the difference in CTE of the CMA and the stroke amplifying mechanism. However, it does so with a severe impact to multiple characteristics, for example structural reliability, production complexity and cost. These will, in turn, limit the potential physical size and work capability. Therefore, also limiting the applicability of such an approach. [0010] Wada et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,147 describe a method of minimizing the difference in CTE between a CMA and an associated housing. The invention described does not include amplification of the free deflection of the CMA. In contrast, the reference teaches "stacking" the CMAs to obtain sufficient stroke and then having an equivalent opposing mechanism to effectively double the working stroke of the assembly. Further, the construction of the housing enclosing the piezo is composed of multiple pieces that are bolted or welded together. [0011] Others teach thermal compensation using various electronic control methods, for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,400,062. In general, this approach adds substantial complexity and cost to the actuation system. [0012] Generally it is accepted that when a piezoelectric CMA is used for electro mechanical actuation a compressive preload will be applied. This preload force is typically applied as a means of ensuring that the CMA is maintained mostly in compression during operation. This, in turn, usually increases the dynamic lifetime of the piezoelectric CMA. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0013] An apparatus according to the present invention includes a support structure with first and second arms spaced apart from one another. A smart material actuator, such as a piezoelectric actuator, moves the first and second arms with respect to one another in response to expansion and contraction of the actuator. Means for compensating for the effects of different thermal coefficients of expansion of the materials used in the support structure and actuator is provided to reduce or eliminate movement of the arms resulting from variations in working temperature and/or ambient temperature. [0014] The present invention provides a simple, cost effective solution for compensating a mechanically leveraged actuator for temperature variations. The present invention provides means for compensating for the effects of different thermal coefficients of expansion while not increasing the envelope of the actuator system, and can correct the overall zero voltage error to no greater than .+-. seven percent of the maximum movement of the actuator system. As a result of the scalability of the actuator system, a process for the development of all parameters has been developed that reduces the time to design a particular physical configuration of an actuator/support structure combination for use in a specific application. The present invention uses a design system, a smart material actuator, a support structure with integral mechanically leveraged arm portions, and a temperature compensating insert element. The temperature compensating insert element is placed at a predetermined position on the support structure spaced from the actuator, such as along an arm portion. This insert element can be inserted into a cutout in the arm portion. By using two different materials for the insert and the arm portion, a bi-material or bi-metal type of movement cantilevering the arm portion can be created. Therefore, with the use of the design system, the placement, and material type of the temperature compensating insert element become readily apparent using a minimum number of components while maintaining an error band of less then 5 percent of travel. [0015] The present invention is of a design and stiffness that allows significantly higher levels of preload to be applied to the CMA than is typically in the art. In applying high levels of preload it was found with the present invention that the level of compressive preload changes the extent or degree of the thermal expansion mismatch between the piezoelectric CMA and the substantially metal amplification mechanism. This effect has the added benefit of making it possible to adjust the amount of thermal compensation required as a function of preload applied. Furthermore this effect can be used as part of the overall process for designing the mechanism of the present invention for tuning the thermal compensation required in relation to the mechanism performance. [0016] The present invention can provide a mechanism capable of amplifying the stroke of a CMA while simultaneously providing sufficient output force to be useful in a variety of typical, "real world" applications; and/or provide a stroke amplifying mechanism that transforms "excess" force to usable stroke with a high level of efficiency through the use of an extremely stiff support structure; and/or provide mechanical thermal compensation for the different values of CTE of a CMA and the support structure of an electro mechanical actuator so that such compensation; is mechanically simple and reliable, effectively integral to the mechanical support structure such that the structure maintains a high level of mechanical rigidity and, therefore, enables highly efficient work transfer; is effective across a broad range of temperatures typically experienced in industrial type applications, for example -20.degree. C. to 60.degree. C.; does not significantly affect the output of the amplifier, such as by causing increased curvilinear motion; can be adapted to operate at a range of preload forces from 0 psi to 10000 psi; does not substantially affect the size, weight or other physical characteristics of the actuator; can be easily integrated into the actuator during production; is based on and accounts for the effect of preload on the CMA CTE and/or is capable of being used as an element of the components providing preload, not merely sustaining it; and/or present a method for designing a thermal compensation element such that the length of the thermal compensating element is calculated as a function of the actuator design, the respective CTE values of the CMA and the materials to be used for thermal compensation and the amount of compressive preload applied to the CMA. [0017] The basic approach of the present invention is contrary to the wide held industry and academic belief that there is a single CTE for the piezoelectric actuator stack in a short circuited condition. According to the present invention, the CTE of the CMA changes as a function of the amount of preload applied to the stack. The actuator according to the present invention operates at relatively high preloads when compared to other mechanically amplified actuators. If the present invention used the relatively high level of preload combined with the "known" stack CTE, the thermal compensation provided would be inaccurate. [0018] The concept of changing CTE as a function of preload can tie several related features of the present invention with respect to one another. First, the present invention operates at high preload to maximize work performance. As a general statement, the preload typically used is higher, in certain cases many times much higher, than used in prior art. Second, the present invention ensures that the "central portion" of the actuator is "rigid". As is known, the actual motion of the stack itself is on the order of "a few" ten thousandths of an inch (depending on a variety of factors). Since this motion is so small, any "stretch" in this area can be wasted motion that is not transferred to the "anvil" and, in turn, amplified at the arms. Therefore, the present invention maintains a high level of structural rigidity while incorporating the mechanical thermal compensating element, or, as presently embodied, an Invar material element forming at least one of an actuator seat and/or a portion of the rigid support structure. Any decrease in rigidity in the central support structure portion of the actuator results in diminished movement at the arms. [0019] The present invention provides the ability to compensate for difference in values of the material CTE of the metal of the central portion of the amplifier versus the ceramic multilayer actuator. As temperature changes, the length of the "central metal support structure portion" and the ceramic multilayer actuator stack change at differing rates. Other dimensions change also, but the relevant dimension is oriented along the longitudinal length of the actuator stack. The different rates of CTE can result in reduced preload and, therefore, reduced stroke. The thermal compensation according to the present invention brings the CTE of the metal and the stack into balance. If this compensation is not designed based on the "correct" CTE, the amount of compensation provided will not be optimal. The CTE of the stack according to the present invention can change as a function of preload. With minimal levels of preload force applied to the multilayer ceramic actuator stack, this may not have a significant impact. However, since the present invention envisions a relatively high level of preload force applied to the ceramic multilayer actuator stack and the efficient conversion of stack movement to actuator movement is desired in the present invention, the thermal compensation can be significant in the present invention to ensure proper operation of the mechanism across the desired range of operating temperatures typically required for industrial applications. Therefore, it is desirable for the present invention to determine a design of the compensation structure and composition based on the CTE at the "nominal" (unactuated) preload. [0020] A method is disclosed for determining the necessary CTE compensation for a mechanism including a piezoelectric or ceramic multilayer actuator stack and a mechanism for transforming the work output of the stack, typically made from steel, for amplifying or otherwise transferring or transforming the work output by the stack. The method according to the present invention provides appropriate thermal compensation based on the amount of preload on the stack. Continue reading... Full patent description for Temperature compensating insert and integral thermal compensation for a smart material actuator Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Temperature compensating insert and integral thermal compensation for a smart material actuator patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Temperature compensating insert and integral thermal compensation for a smart material actuator or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Electrical contact member Next Patent Application: Piezoelectric device, droplet jetting device using the same, and image output device Industry Class: Electrical generator or motor structure ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Temperature compensating insert and integral thermal compensation for a smart material actuator patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 1.08612 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Computers: Graphics , I/O , Processors , Dyn. Storage , Static Storage , Printers |
||
