SENSING METHOD FOR FIBER-DRIVEN MOTION SYSTEMS

摘要

A self-sensing fiber-driven motion system having an actuator moveable between a first configuration and a second configuration, fibers generally surrounding the actuator that change from a first orientation to a second orientation in response to force exerted upon the fibers caused by the movement of the actuator from the first configuration to the second configuration, electrically conductive elements generally following the fibers such that an electrical condition of the electrically conductive elements changes from a first electrical condition to a second electrical condition in response to the changing of the fibers from the first orientation to the second orientation, and a sensor system detecting a change of electrical condition from the first electrical condition to the second electrical condition, thereby determining a movement of the actuator in response to the change of electrical condition.

主权项

1. A self-sensing fiber-driven motion system comprising:
an actuator being moveable between a first configuration and a second configuration; a plurality of fibers generally surrounding the actuator, the plurality of fibers changing from a first orientation to a second orientation in response to force exerted upon the plurality of fibers in response to movement of the actuator from the first configuration to the second configuration; a plurality of electrically conductive elements generally following at least one of the plurality of fibers, an electrical condition of the plurality of electrically conductive elements changing from a first electrical condition to a second electrical condition in response to the changing of the plurality of fibers from the first orientation to the second orientation; and a sensor system detecting a change of electrical condition from the first electrical condition to the second electrical condition, the sensor system determining a movement of the actuator in response to the change of electrical condition.