Semi-passive linear actuator
AssigneeBlue Origin Manufacturing, LLC
InventorJames Andrew Hinsdale
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A linear actuator and a method of operating is provided. The linear actuator includes a housing having at least one wall made from an electrochromatic material configured to transform from an opaque to a translucent material in response to a voltage. A plunger is slidably coupled to the housing to move between a first position and a second position. An actuator is disposed between the plunger and the housing, the actuator being made from a heat sensitive material, the actuator being configured to change a length of the actuator in response to a change in temperature.
Claims20
A linear actuator comprising:
- a housing having at least one wall made from an electrochromatic material configured to transform from an opaque to a translucent material in response to a voltage;
- a plunger slidably coupled to the housing to move between a first position and a second position;
- and
- an actuator disposed between the plunger and the housing, the actuator being made from a heat sensitive material, the actuator being configured to change a length of the actuator in response to a change in temperature.
A method of operating a linear actuator comprising:
- applying a voltage to an electrochromatic wall of a housing;
- allowing sunlight to increase a temperature within the housing based at least in part on the applying of the voltage to the electrochromatic wall;
- changing a length of an actuator from a first length to a second length in response to the increase in the temperature of the housing, the second length being smaller than the first length;
- and
- moving a plunger in a first direction in response to the actuator changing from the first length to the second length.
A linear actuator comprising:
- a power supply;
- a housing having a first portion made from an electrochromatic material configured to transform from an opaque to a translucent material in response to a voltage from the power supply;
- a plunger slidably coupled to the housing to move between a first position and a second position;
- and
- an actuator disposed between the plunger and the housing, the actuator being made from a heat sensitive material, the actuator being configured to change a length of the actuator in response to a change in temperature, the actuator being a coiled polymer fiber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.