Patent ID: 6024347
Filing Date: 2000-02-15
Classification: F16F,Y10T

Abstract:
A vibrational system, comprising:a first structural member;a vibrating device interconnected with said first structural member;a substrate actuator interconnected with said first structural member, said substrate actuator comprising at least a first wire embedded within a matrix material, wherein at least said first wire is fabricated from a shape memory alloy;a means, operatively interfaceable with said substrate actuator, for heating at least said first wire to reversibly increase the modulus of elasticity of at least said first wire from a first modulus of elasticity to a second modulus of elasticity greater than said first modulus of elasticity to thereby increase the stiffness of said substrate actuator from a first stiffness to a second stiffness greater than said first stiffness; andmeans for producing a frequency shift in vibratory energy transmitted from said vibrating device to said first structural member, said means for producing comprising said substrate actuator and said means for heating.