Back to results
US 12,113,310 B2Granted
Connectors using shape memory alloy
AssigneeSeagate Technology LLC
InventorsBrett R. Herdendorf, Riyan Alex Mendonsa, Wolfgang Rosner, Krishnan Subramanian
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Connector devices or connectors for use in interconnection to a circuit board may be configured in an open or closed configuration. The connectors devices may utilize a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator to move clamping portions with respect to each other into one or both of the open or closed positions.
Claims10
A device comprising:
- first and second clamping portions pivotally coupled to each other, wherein at least one of the first and second clamping portions comprises a plurality of interconnect contacts to contact a plurality of board contacts of an insertable circuit board, wherein the first and second clamping portions are pivotally spaced away from each other to allow insertion of the insertable circuit board therebetween in an open position, wherein the first and second clamping portions are pivotally spaced closer to each other than when in the open position to contact both sides of the insertable circuit board positioned therebetween in a closed position;
- one or more springs to bias first and second clamping portions into the closed position;
- an actuator operably coupling the first and second clamping portions to pivotally move the first and second clamping portions into the open position;
- and
- a controller comprising one or more processors operably coupled to the actuator to selectively pivotally move the first and second clamping portions into the open position.
2 more elements
A device comprising:
- first and second clamping portions pivotally coupled to each other, wherein at least one of the first and second clamping portions comprises a plurality of interconnect contacts to contact a plurality of board contacts of an insertable circuit board, wherein the first and second clamping portions are pivotally spaced away from each other to allow insertion of the insertable circuit board therebetween in an open position, wherein the first and second clamping portions are pivotally spaced closer to each other than when in the open position to contact both sides of the insertable circuit board positioned therebetween in a closed position;
- a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator operably coupling the first and second clamping portions to pivotally move the first and second clamping portions into the open position;
- and
- a controller comprising one or more processors operably coupled to the SMA actuator to selectively pivotally move the first and second clamping portions into the open position.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.