Semi-passive solar linear actuator
AssigneeBlue Origin Manufacturing, LLC
InventorJames Andrew Hinsdale
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A linear actuator and a method of operating is provided. The linear actuator includes a housing having at least one wall made from an electrochromatic material configured to transform from an opaque to a translucent material in response to a voltage. A plunger is slidably coupled to the housing to move between a first position and a second position. An actuator is disposed between the plunger and the housing, the actuator being made from a heat sensitive material, the actuator being configured to change a length of the actuator in response to a change in temperature.
Claims18
A linear actuator comprising:
- a housing having at least one wall made from a thermochromatic material configured to transform from a white material to a black material in response to heat from sunlight;
- a plunger slidably coupled to the housing to move between a first position and a second position;
- and
- an actuator disposed between the plunger and the housing, the actuator being made from a heat sensitive material, the actuator being configured to change a length of the actuator in response to heat absorbed by the black material.
A linear actuator comprising:
- a housing having at least one wall made from a photochromatic material configured to transform from a white material to a black material in response to heat from sunlight;
- a plunger slidably coupled to the housing to move between a first position and a second position;
- and
- an actuator disposed between the plunger and the housing, the actuator being made from a heat sensitive material, the actuator being configured to change a length of the actuator in response to sunlight.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.