Shape memory alloy actuator
AssigneeAmerican Telephone and Telegraph Company, AT&T Bell Laboratories
InventorsKaigham J. Gabriel, William S. N. Trimmer, James A. Walker
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An electrically controlled shape memory alloy actuator capable of being miniaturized for use in robotics and other fields. The actuator is made of a shape memory alloy wire which is torsioned end along its longitudinal axis and with its ends constrained against movement. A lever or other suitable element is attached to the wire at a desired point other than at a wire end. A plurality of electrical connections spaced along the wire define a plurality of different sections of the wire. The wire and attached control element is made to rotate by selectively applying voltages to the different sections of the wire to heat the individual sections.
Claims18
An actuator comprising:
- a wire made of a shape memory alloy, the wire being torsioned about its longitudinal axis and the ends of the wire being fixed to a support structure;
- a control member attached to the wire at a prescribed point;
- and
- a plurality of electrical connections to different longitudinal sections of the wire to which voltages may be selectively applied, thereby to rotate the wire and control element.
A mechanical actuating system comprising:
- a wire made of a shape memory alloy, the wire being torsioned about its longitudinal axis and the ends of the wire being constrained against movement;
- a control member attached to the wire at a prescribed point;
- and
- means for selectively applying control voltages to different longitudinal sections of the wire to rotate the wire and control element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.