FLEXIBLE ELECTRO-MECHANICAL ACTUATOR AND FLEXING BODIES

摘要

An electro-expulsive actuator capable of operating while encased within a flexible member is provided. The electro-expulsive actuator is designed to be resiliently flexible such that the flexible member remains fully deformable along its length. In addition, rather than striking the surface of or creating a shockwave within the flexible member, the actuator is disposed within the flexible member such that the deformation of the electro-expulsive actuator itself causes deformation of the flexible member thereby causing unwanted build-up of residues on the outer surface of the flexible member to be disrupted.

主权项

1. An actuator for an electro-expulsive residue disruption apparatus comprising:
a first sub-assembly comprising a first electrically conductive element coupled to an electrical input at a first end of the first electrically conductive element; a second sub-assembly comprising a second electrically conductive element coupled to an electrical output at a first end of the second electrically conductive element; wherein the first and second sub-assemblies are independent; a separate electrically conductive connector connecting a second end of the first electrically conductive element of the first sub-assembly to a corresponding second end of the second electrically conductive element of the second sub-assembly, thereby creating a conductive path from the electrical input to the electrical output, and wherein the connector is configured to allow the second end of the first sub-assembly and the second end of the second sub-assembly to move apart relative to each other; wherein at least the first and second sub-assemblies, and the connector are embedded within a flexible member; and wherein the first and second sub-assemblies are disposed in an orientation such that when electrical current flows through the conductive loop, at least a portion of each of the first and second sub-assemblies move apart relative to one another as a result of the magnetic fields created by the electrical current in the first and second sub-assemblies thereby causing the flexible member to undergo a flexural deformation.