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US 10,690,123 B2Granted
Cooperative shape memory alloy torque tubes for continuous-action turning motor
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsKent E. Karnofski, Frederick T. Calkins
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An engine turning “clock work” motor including two shape memory alloy (SMA) torque tube actuators, ratcheting mechanisms, and gearing. The gearing communicates the SMA torque tube actuators with a common gear that applies torque to a shaft, so that while one torque tube is heated and applying torque, the other torque tube is relaxed (using a cooling mechanism). The ratchet prevents the relaxing torque tube from applying torque in the incorrect direction.
Claims19
A motor, comprising:
- a plurality of cooperatively connected torque tubes each comprising a shape memory alloy (SMA), wherein:
- the cooperatively connected torque tubes generate a continuous torque output when the torque tubes, sequentially change shape in response to heat, and
- the shape memory alloy comprises a composition and the torque tubes have dimensions such that the torque tubes output at least 200 inch pounds of torque in response to the SMA changing temperature of 300 degrees Celsius.
A motor, comprising:
- a plurality of cooperatively connected torque tubes each comprising a shape memory alloy, wherein:
- the cooperatively connect torque tubes generate a torque output when the torque tubes change shape in response to heat,
- the torque tubes are each trained to output torque capable of turning a rotor shaft so as to reduce or prevent thermal bowing of the rotor shaft in a temperature gradient, and
- the rotor shaft is the rotor shaft of a gas turbine engine.
1 more element
A torque tube, comprising:
- a shape memory alloy, wherein the torque tube is trained to output torque capable of turning a rotor shaft so as to reduce or prevent thermal bowing of the rotor shaft in a temperature gradient, wherein the roto shaft is the roto shaft of a gas turbine engine.
A motor, comprising:
- a pair of torque tubes each comprising a shape memory alloy, wherein the torque tubes are each trained to output torque when the shape memory alloy is heated into an austenitic phase;
- a ratcheting mechanism connected to each of the torque tubes (202a),(202b) and allowing untwisting of the torque tubes in a first direction;
- and
- gearing connected to the torque tubes, wherein:
- the gearing outputs the torque from each torque tube to an output shaft,
- the torque from each of the torque tubes is in a same direction;
- and
- a transmission coupled to the output shaft, wherein the transmission turns a rotor shaft in a gas turbine engine when the gearing outputs the torque to output shaft.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.