Shape memory alloy actuators
AssigneeMedtronic, Inc.
InventorsDavid A. Anderson, James F. Kelley, Naim S. Istephanous, Steven L. Waldhauser
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Abstract
An electrically insulative layer of a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator includes an inorganic material formed upon a portion of an SMA substrate. A conductive material formed upon a portion of the electrically insulative layer in a trace pattern includes a first end, a second end, and a heating element disposed between the first and second ends. The SMA substrate is trained to deform at a transition temperature achieved when electricity is conducted through the conductive material via first and second interconnect pads terminating the first and second ends of the trace pattern.
Claims40
An elongated medical device adapted for controlled deformation by means of one or more actuators, the one or more actuators comprising:
- a shape memory alloy (SMA) substrate including a surface and a groove formed upon the surface establishing a trace pattern;
- an electrically insulative layer formed upon a portion of the surface of the SMA substrate, which includes the groove;
- the insulative layer including an inorganic material;
- a conductive material formed upon the electrically insulative layer according to the trace pattern and including a first end, a second end, and a heating element disposed between the first end and the second end;
- a first interconnect pad terminating the first end of the trace pattern;
- and
- a second interconnect pad terminating the second end of the trace pattern;
- wherein the SMA substrate is trained to deform at a transition temperature achieved when electricity is conducted through the conductive material via the first and second interconnect pads.
3-13. (Cancelled)
24-26. (Cancelled)
A method for manufacturing a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator, comprising:
- forming an electrically insulative layer including an inorganic material on a surface of an SMA substrate;
- forming a conductive material on a portion of the insulating layer in a trace pattern;
- and
- forming a groove on the surface of the SMA substrate to establish a portion of the trace pattern in the SMA substrate prior to formation of the insulative layer.
A method for manufacturing a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator, comprising:
- forming an electrically insulative layer including an inorganic material on a surface of an SMA substrate;
- and
- forming a conductive material on a portion of the insulating layer in a trace pattern;
- wherein means for forming the insulative layer includes a vacuum deposition method.
A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator comprising:
- an SMA substrate including a surface and a groove formed upon the surface establishing a trace pattern;
- an electrically insulative layer formed upon a portion of the surface of the SMA substrate, which includes the groove;
- the insulative layer including an inorganic material;
- a conductive material formed upon the electrically insulative layer according to the trace pattern and including a first end, a second end, and a heating element disposed between the first end and the second end;
- a first interconnect pad terminating the first end of the trace pattern;
- and
- a second interconnect pad terminating the second end of the trace pattern;
- wherein the SMA substrate is trained to deform at a transition temperature achieved when electricity is conducted through the conductive material via the first and second interconnect pads.
37-47. (Cancelled)
A method for manufacturing a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator, comprising:
- forming an electrically insulative layer including a native oxide on a surface of an SMA substrate;
- and
- forming a conductive material on a portion of the insulating layer in a trace pattern;
- wherein means for forming the electrically insulative layer is selected from the group consisting of electrochemically forming the native oxide, chemically forming the native oxide and thermally forming the native oxide.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.