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US 10,378,520 B2Granted
Actuation mechanism and associated methods
AssigneeMarotta Controls, Inc.
InventorJohn E. Albright
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An actuation mechanism used in, for example, a missile assembly is disclosed, as are methods of its use. The actuation mechanism is locked in a first orientation and is unlocked in a second orientation. Locking and unlocking of the actuation mechanism is achieved by way of a locking mechanism that responds to a certain stimulus. In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism is incorporated into a sub-assembly of a missile to assist in controlling the missile's flight.
Claims9
A method of operating an actuation mechanism comprising:
- positioning a plunger including at least one opening inside a bore in a housing, including at least one recess such that the plunger is locked directly to the housing;
- fixedly engaging a wire to a piston and to the plunger;
- subjecting the wire to a stimulus so that the length of the wire changes and causes the piston to move from a first position to a second position, the movement of the piston from the first position to the second position unlocking the plunger from the housing so that the plunger is free to move inside the bore relative to the housing;
- and
- engaging at least one locking element with the recess and the at least one opening in the plunger and moving the at least one locking element out of engagement with the recess when the piston is in the second position.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.