Method and system for shape-memory alloy wire control
AssigneeDEKA Products Limited Partnership
InventorsColin H. Murphy, Dean Kamen, John M. Kerwin, Larry B. Gray
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Abstract
A method for controlling a device using a shape-memory alloy wire is disclosed. The method includes determining an ontime for the shape-memory alloy wire based on a target volume to be pumped by a pump plunger, determining the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire and adjusting the ontime based on the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire.
Claims15
A method for controlling a device using a shape-memory alloy wire comprising:
- determining an ontime for the shape-memory ahoy wire based on a target volume to be pumped by a pump plunger;
- determining the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire;
- and
- adjusting the ontime based on the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire.
A method for controlling a device using a shape-memory alloy wire comprising:
- determining an ontime for the shape-memory alloy wire;
- determining the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire;
- and
- adjusting the ontime based on the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire.
A shape-memory alloy wire actuation system comprising:
- at least one shape-memory alloy wire;
- a valve member connected to the at least one shape-memory alloy wire wherein the shape-memory alloy wire, when actuated, actuates the valve member;
- a controller for controlling the ontime of the at least one shape-memory alloy wire;
- and
- a temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire, wherein the controller determines the ontime based on the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire before actuation.
A shape-memory alloy wire pumping system comprising:
- a pump plunger wherein the pump plunger effectuates the pumping of fluid from a reservoir;
- at least one shape-memory alloy wire connected to the pump plunger wherein the shape-memory alloy wire, when actuated, actuates the pump plunger;
- a controller for controlling the ontime of the at least one shape-memory alloy wire;
- and
- a temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire, wherein the controller determines the ontime based on the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire before actuation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.