Patent ID: 8448436
Filing Date: 2013-05-28
Classification: E04B,H01L

Abstract:
1. A tunable impedance load bearing structure, comprising: a first surface; a second surface; at least one canted beam disposed between the first surface and the second surface; a substrate; and an active material operatively interconnecting second surface and the substrate; wherein the active material undergoes a change in a property upon exposure to an activating condition; wherein the change in the property is effective to change an impedance characteristic of the load bearing structure; wherein the load bearing structure is configured such that a compressive load exerted on the first surface causes torsional deformation of the active material; and wherein the active material comprises at least one of a shape memory polymer, a shape memory alloy, a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy, an electroactive polymer, a piezoelectric material, a magnetorheological elastomer, and an electrorheological elastomer.