US 12,148,589 B2
Shape-transformable switch apparatus based on electrorheological fluid
Yoon Im, Suwon-si (KR); Yong Won Choi, Seoul (KR); Myung Hoe Kim, Seoul (KR); Joo Hwa Kim, Hwaseong-si (KR); Eun Jae Shin, Cheonan-si (KR); Hyun U Ko, Cheonan-si (KR); and Sang Youn Kim, Seoul (KR)
Assigned to Hyundai Motor Company, Seoul (KR); Kia Corporation, Seoul (KR); and Korea University of Technology and Education Industry-University Cooperation Foundation, Cheonan-si (KR)
Filed by Korea University Of Technology And Education Industry-University Cooperation Foundation, Cheonan-si (KR); Kia Corporation, Seoul (KR); and Hyundai Motor Company, Seoul (KR)
Filed on Oct. 21, 2022, as Appl. No. 18/048,787.
Claims priority of application No. 10-2022-0019863 (KR), filed on Feb. 16, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0260735 A1, Aug. 17, 2023
Int. Cl. H01H 59/00 (2006.01)
CPC H01H 59/00 (2013.01) 11 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A shape-transformable switch apparatus comprising:
a housing comprising:
an accommodating region with a high voltage electrode accommodating an Electrorheological (ER) fluid;
a first filling portion in contact with the high voltage electrode and filled with the ER fluid, wherein the ER fluid is configured to change viscosity and rigidity; and
a second filling portion;
a switch cover shielding an upper portion of the housing, the switch cover configured to change a shape based on changes of the viscosity and of the rigidity of the ER fluid; and
a controller configured to allow a voltage to be applied to the high voltage electrode for generating an electrostatic attraction so that the ER fluid is deformed thereby changing the shape of the switch cover,
wherein the second filling portion forms a step with the first filling portion, protruding from the first filling portion and connecting to a center portion of the switch cover, and
wherein the second filling portion is filled with the ER fluid.