CONFORMING TUNING COUPLER FOR FLEXTENSIONAL TRANSDUCERS

Abstract

A flextensional transducer includes a stack of driving elements disposed ng a linear axis to convert a driving power into vibrational energy. End pieces, disposed at each end of the stack, have outwardly facing arcuate surfaces. A flexural shell, formed into a loop, is disposed to circumscribe the stack and the end pieces to present an elliptical cross-section with the major axis thereof being generally coincident with the stack's linear axis. The shell is reactively coupled to the end pieces at the outwardly facing arcuate surfaces. A pliant assembly is positioned between each end piece and the flexural shell for maintaining conformal engagement between portions of the end pieces and the flexural shell. The pliant assembly is designer such that its stiffness may be adjusted.

Source: Google Patents

35 USC §181 Secrecy Order

Inventor

• 1JOHN D. MALTBY

Sensitive facility: San Diego CA (SAIC/General Dynamics)