US 11,515,101 B2Granted

Shape memory alloy actuated switch

AssigneeQatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development

InventorsRobert S. Balog, Ibrahim Karaman, Moustafa Tawfik Omar Raslan

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Abstract

A shape-memory alloy actuated switch (SMAAS) is provided that enables the stable switching of two separate circuits. The presently disclosed SMAAS includes a substrate, one or more electrical contacts attached to the substrate for connecting to load circuits, and one or more electrically conductive elements for selectively connecting the one or more electrical contacts. The disclosed SMAAS also includes one or more shape-memory alloy actuators attached to the substrate. The one or more shape-memory alloy actuators are configured to move the one or more electrically conductive elements. The shape-memory alloy actuators are self-heated by passing current through the shape-memory alloy material. The disclosed SMAAS may also include electrical contacts to connect an external control current to the shape-memory alloy material. In some examples, the provided SMAAS includes one or more retention mechanisms to prevent movement of the electrically conductive elements after actuation.

Claims18

Dependent claims

An electrical switch comprising:

a substrate;
a first set of electrical circuit contacts;
a second set of electrical circuit contacts;
at least one electrically conductive element;
at least two shape-memory alloy actuators configured to:
upon actuation in a first state, translate the at least one electrically conductive element such that the at least one electrically conductive element contacts the first set of electrical circuit contacts, and
upon actuation in a second state, translate the at least one electrically conductive element such that the at least one electrically conductive element contacts the second set of electrical circuit contacts;
and
a retention mechanism configured to prevent the at least one electrically conductive element from releasing contact with the first set or the second set of electrical circuit contacts after actuation, and
wherein the first set of electrical circuit contacts and the second set of electrical circuit contacts are connected to springs, wherein the at least one electrically conductive element includes a plurality of notches, and wherein the retention mechanism includes the first set of electrical circuit contacts or the second set of electrical circuit contacts positioned within at least some of the plurality of notches.

7 more elements

A system comprising:

a first electrical circuit;
a second electrical circuit;
and
an electrical switch including:
a substrate;
a first set of electrical circuit contacts connected to the first electrical circuit;
a second set of electrical circuit contacts connected to the second electrical circuit;
at least one electrically conductive element;
at least two shape-memory alloy actuators configured to:
upon actuation in a first state, translate the at least one electrically conductive element such that the at least one electrically conductive element contacts the first set of electrical circuit contacts to complete the first electrical circuit, and
upon actuation in a second state, translate the at least one electrically conductive element such that the at least one electrically conductive element contacts the second set of electrical circuit contacts to complete the second electrical circuit;
and
a retention mechanism configured to prevent the at least one electrically conductive element from releasing contact with the first set or the second set of electrical circuit contacts after actuation, and
wherein the first set of electrical circuit contacts and the second set of electrical circuit contacts are connected to springs, wherein the at least one electrically conductive element includes a plurality of notches, and wherein the retention mechanism includes the first set of electrical circuit contacts or the second set of electrical circuit contacts positioned within at least some of the plurality of notches.

11 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 16/942,381Filed 29 Jul 2020 · us provisional application
Priority: 29 Jul 2019
Published: US 2021/0035748 A14 Feb 2021
Granted: 29 Nov 2022
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification13 codes

F03G 7/06143
Using shape memory elements: wires
F03G 7/0614
Characterised by the actuating element: using shape memory elements
F03G 7/06145
Using shape memory elements: springs
F03G 7/064
Using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like: characterised by its use