Back to results
US 2019/0048860 A1Published application
Cooperative shape memory alloy torque tubes for continuous-action turning motor
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsKent E. Karnofski, Frederick T. Calkins
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An engine turning “clock work” motor including two shape memory alloy (SMA) torque tube actuators, ratcheting mechanisms, and gearing. The gearing communicates the SMA torque tube actuators with a common gear that applies torque to a shaft, so that while one torque tube is heated and applying torque, the other torque tube is relaxed (using a cooling mechanism). The ratchet prevents the relaxing torque tube from applying torque in the incorrect direction.
Claims20
A motor (200), comprising:
- cooperatively connected (224) torque tubes (202a), (202b) each comprising a shape memory alloy (204), wherein the cooperatively connected torque tubes (202a), (202b) generate a continuous torque output (208c) when the torque tubes (202a), (202b) sequentially change shape (216) in response to heat (218).
a torque tube (202a), comprising:
- a shape memory alloy (204), wherein the torque tube (202a) is trained to output torque (208a) capable of turning (606) a rotor shaft (122) so as to reduce or prevent thermal bowing (B) of the rotor shaft (122) in a temperature gradient (T).
A motor (200), comprising:
- a pair of torque tubes (202a),(202b) each comprising a shape memory alloy (204), wherein the torque tubes (202a),(202b) are each trained to output torque (208a) when the shape memory alloy is heated into an austenitic phase (306);
- a ratcheting mechanism (212) connected to each of the torque tubes (202a),(202b) and allowing untwisting (304) of the torque tube (202a), (202b) in a first direction (210);
- and
- gearing (206) connected to the torque tubes (202a),(202b) wherein:
- the gearing (206) outputs the torque (208a) from each torque tube (202a, 202b) sequentially,
- the torque (208a) from each of the torque tubes (202a, 202b) is in the same direction (210).
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.