Electrically variable pneumatics structural element
AssigneeProspective Concepts AG
InventorFritz Fuchs
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The internal pressure P1 of the hollow body of a pneumatic structural element that comprises a hollow body (1), at least two traction elements (4) and at least one compression member (2) can be electrothermally varied by means of a fluid. The hollow body (1) houses a void (12) which is filled with a gas (15), and a container (9) which contains a volatile liquid (10). Said liquid (10) can be heated or cooled by means of a heat pump (13). Said heat pump (13) thermally contacts the liquid (10) via lamellas (24). A pressure sensor (14) measures the pressure inside the void (12). A cable (16) links the sensor (14) and the heat pump (13) with control and regulating electronics (23).
Claims20
A pneumatic component comprising:
- an airtight, elongated hollow body made from flexible material, the hollow body being capable of being charged with compressed air;
- at least one compression member extending along a surface line of the hollow body and adjacent thereto for protection against displacement and bending;
- at least one pair of tractive elements secured at opposite ends of the at least one compression member, wherein the at least one compression member is furnished at opposite ends thereof with a node for reciprocal, non-positive attachment of the at least one compression member and the at least one pair of tractive elements for absorbing bearing forces;
- wherein the at least one pair of tractive elements are arranged so as to wind round the hollow body at least once and in opposite directions and cross each other on the surface line of the hollow body opposite to the at least one compression member;
- and
- wherein means are integrated for electrically altering at least one of the operating parameters pressure in the hollow body, length of the compression member, or length of the tractive elements.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.