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US 2019/0293057 A1Published application
Shape-memory alloy power-assist apparatus
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsSesinando P. Macaraeg, Nelson J. Jeyarajah, Frederick T. Calkins
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Abstract
A power-assist apparatus includes a shape-memory alloy (SMA) rod, a power source, an actuator, and a differential gearbox. The SMA rod configured to rotate at an end of the SMA rod. The power source is coupled to the SMA rod. The actuator coupled to an openable apparatus. The differential gearbox is coupled between the actuator and the SMA rod. The differential gearbox converts the rotation of the SMA rod to motion of the actuator.
Claims20
A power-assist apparatus comprising:
- a shape-memory alloy (SMA) rod configured to rotate at an end of the SMA rod;
- a power source coupled to the SMA rod;
- an actuator coupleable to an openable apparatus;
- and
- a differential gearbox coupled between the actuator and the SMA rod, wherein the differential gearbox converts the rotation of the SMA rod to motion of the actuator.
2 more elements
A system comprising:
- an openable apparatus;
- and
- a power-assist apparatus comprising:
- a shape-memory alloy (SMA) rod configured to rotate at an end of the SMA rod;
- a power source coupled to the SMA rod;
- an actuator coupled to the openable apparatus;
- and
- a differential gearbox coupled between the actuator and the SMA rod, wherein the differential gearbox converts the rotation of the SMA rod to motion of the actuator and actuation of the openable apparatus.
5 more elements
A method comprising:
- heating to a shape-memory alloy (SMA) rod to cause the SMA rod to rotate, the SMA rod coupled to an interior part of an aircraft;
- and
- converting torque of the SMA rod to motion of an actuator, wherein the motion of the actuator reduces a closing or opening force on an openable apparatus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.