Sleeve for shape-memory alloy
OwnerDean Pickinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention is a combination of a shape-memory alloy (SMA) element and a fiber sleeve. The SMA connects at each end to a support element, the support elements being moveable relative to each other. The fiber sleeve comprises an electrically insulating sleeve made of flexible fiber material, and is sized so that the sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the SMA element. When the SMA element is deformed upon heating or cooling, causing the support elements to move relative to each other, the fiber sleeve also deforms and continues to surround the portion of the SMA element, inhibiting the flow of electric current from the SMA element to its surroundings.
Claims22
A combination of a shape-memory alloy (SMA) element and a fiber sleeve,
- the SMA element comprising a SMA extending from a first end to a second end,
- the fiber sleeve comprising an electrically insulating sleeve made of flexible fiber material and having an interior region, the fiber sleeve being sized to accommodate the SMA element in the interior region so that the sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the SMA element,
- wherein when the SMA element is heated above a first threshold temperature, the SMA element deforms, and the fiber sleeve deforms and continues to surround the portion of the SMA element, and
- wherein when the SMA element is subsequently cooled below a second threshold temperature the SMA element deforms, and the fiber sleeve deforms and continues to surround the portion of the SMA element,
- wherein the combination is configured for use in an environment with surrounding electrical conductors so that when the SMA element undergoes Joule heating and is at a voltage potential higher than the surrounding electrical conductors, the fiber sleeve inhibits the flow of electric current from the SMA element to its surroundings,
- wherein the flexible fiber material is selected so that the fiber sleeve can withstand the first threshold temperature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.