Deformable sensors and methods for modifying run-time membrane stiffness
AssigneeToyota Research Institute, Inc.
InventorManuel L. Kuehner
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Deformable sensors and methods for modifying membrane stiffness are provided. A deformable sensor may include a membrane coupled to a housing to form a sensor cavity. The deformable sensor may further include a rotational element having an adjustable vertical position and a modifiable rotation. The rotational element may be supported at a base of the sensor cavity. The rotational element may be configured to establish and withdraw contact with respect to the membrane to modify stiffness of the membrane. The rotational element may further be configured to modify stiffness of the membrane by withdrawing the rotational element from the membrane.
Claims20
A deformable sensor comprising:
- a membrane coupled to a housing to form a sensor cavity;
- and
- a rotational element, comprising an adjustable vertical position and modifiable rotation, supported at a base of the sensor cavity, the rotational element being configured to:
- establish and withdraw contact with respect to the membrane to modify stiffness of the membrane;
- and
- modify stiffness of the membrane by withdrawing the rotational element from the membrane.
A method comprising:
- establishing contact within a deformable sensor between:
- a membrane that is coupled to a housing to form a sensor cavity;
- and
- a rotational element comprising a adjustable vertical position and modifiable rotation and supported at a base of the sensor cavity;
- modifying stiffness of the membrane based upon contact with the rotational element;
- and
- further modifying the stiffness of the membrane by withdrawing the rotational element from the membrane.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.