Mechanical Actuator
AssigneeRaytheon Company
InventorsFrederick B. Koehler, Ward D. Lyman, Michael J. Birch
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A mechanical actuator is disclosed. The mechanical actuator can comprise an interface portion configured to interface with an object, a spring configured to exert a force on the interface portion, and a shape memory member coupled to the interface portion. The shape memory member can be configured to fracture at a predetermined temperature range. Upon fracture of the shape memory member, the force of the spring can cause the interface portion to act on the object.
Claims20
A mechanical actuator, comprising:
- an interface portion configured to interface with an object;
- a spring configured to exert a force on the interface portion;
- and
- a shape memory member coupled to the interface portion and configured to fracture at a predetermined temperature range and exert a force on the interface portion,
- wherein upon fracture of the shape memory member, the force of at least one of the spring and the shape memory member causes the interface portion to act on the object.
A mechanical actuator system, comprising:
- an object;
- and
- a mechanical actuator, having
- an interface portion configured to interface with the object,
- a spring configured to exert a force on the interface portion, and
- a shape memory member coupled to the interface portion and configured to fracture at a predetermined temperature range and exert a force on the interface portion,
- wherein upon fracture of the shape memory member, the force of at least one of the shape memory member and spring causes the interface portion to act on the object.
A method for facilitating mechanical actuation of an object, comprising:
- providing a mechanical actuator having
- an interface portion configured to interface with an object,
- a spring configured to exert a force on the interface portion, and
- a shape memory member coupled to the interface portion;
- and
- facilitating fracture of the shape memory member at a predetermined temperature range, wherein upon fracture of the shape memory member, the force of the spring causes the interface portion to act on the object.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.