Fiber Composite Actuator Mounting for Force Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arrangements for influencing and detecting dynamic or static properties of support structures with actuator elements face challenges in achieving effective mechanical coupling and force transmission, especially when actuator elements are stacked, leading to inefficient force introduction and increased sensitivity to loads, as well as difficulties in replacement and recyclability, particularly with piezoelectric materials containing toxic components.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a fiber composite material with a curable matrix that directly or indirectly attaches flat actuator elements to the support structure surface, where a fiber layer protrudes beyond the actuator elements and is fixed to the surface, ensuring direct force transmission between the actuator elements and the support structure, allowing for improved mechanical coupling and force transmission, even for stacked actuator elements further away from the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If actuator elements are stacked one above another to influence supporting structures further away from the surface, then the influence range is extended, but the force coupling to the supporting structure deteriorates for upper actuator elements
Solution Approach 1:
A fiber composite material acts as an intermediary between the stacked actuator elements and the supporting structure. The fiber reinforcement embedded in the matrix material creates direct mechanical coupling pathways from each actuator element to the supporting structure, bypassing the limitation of stacked arrangement and ensuring effective force transmission even for upper actuator elements.
2Force
If actuator elements are integrated into the supporting structure during manufacturing, then force coupling is improved, but replacement of defective elements becomes impossible or extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into removable actuator elements and a permanent fiber composite mounting structure. This allows the actuator elements to be integrated into the supporting structure with excellent force coupling through the fiber reinforcement, while maintaining the capability to remove and replace individual actuator elements without damaging the supporting structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If a thick fiber composite module is used to attach actuator elements, then attachment is achieved, but force coupling to the supporting structure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber composite material combines a matrix material for attachment functionality with fiber reinforcement for optimized force transmission. The fibers are oriented to create direct load paths from the actuator elements to the supporting structure, achieving both secure attachment and excellent force coupling without requiring excessive thickness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the mechanical coupling and force transmission between actuator elements and the support structure, enabling effective dynamic and static property influence, improves protection and recyclability, and allows for easy replacement of defective elements, while maintaining structural integrity and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber composite material with a curable matrix that directly or indirectly attaches flat actuator elements to the support structure surface
Implementation Method 2
When an electrical voltage is applied, they change their shape and, through a rigid connection with the supporting structure, are able to transmit forces into it
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Described are an arrangement and a method for influencing and/or detecting a dynamic or static property of a support structure (1) having a support structure surface (2), said arrangement comprising at least one planar first actuator element (4) that includes at least one electrically and/or magnetically activated transducer material, and comprising a fiber composite material (5) which joins the first actuator element in a planar manner directly or indirectly to the support structure surface and which has at least a first fiber layer (5) and a curable matrix (M). The device is characterized in that the first fiber layer at least partly covers the first actuator element resting directly or indirectly on the support structure surface, protrudes beyond the first actuator element on both sides along at least one spatial direction running parallel to the support structure surface, and permanently adheres directly to at least some areas of the support structure surface by means of the curable matrix in the regions protruding beyond the first actuator element.