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US 7,017,345 B2Granted
High stroke, highly integrated SMA actuators
AssigneeAlfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen and Systemlosungen
InventorsPeter Emery Von Behrens, Dylan Miller Fairbanks
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator assembly is provided that includes an SMA component. The SMA component is used to impart motion in an output shaft. Also provided is a return force component that provides a variable, tailored return force to the SMA component. Additionally, a variety of protective mechanisms are disclosed and utilized to prevent damage to the internal workings and components within the SMA actuator assembly as well as provide protection and safety for external workings.
Claims43
A shape memory alloy actuator assembly comprising:
- a shape memory alloy component;
- an output shaft coupled to the shape memory alloy component such that contraction of the shape memory alloy component causes output shaft movement;
- a return force component coupled to the shape memory alloy component to move the shape memory allow alloy component from a contracted configuration to an extended configuration, said return force component providing a tailored return force to the shape memory alloy component;
- and
- a protective mechanism to prevent damage to the shape memory alloy component.
2 more elements
A shape memory alloy actuator assembly, comprising:
- a shape memory alloy component;
- a drive member coupled to and drivable by the shape memory alloy component;
- an output shaft;
- an output member coupled to the output shaft and drivable by the drive member;
- a resilient coupling element having a fixed condition and a deflected condition wherein when the resilient coupling element is in the fixed condition, the output member and the drive member are urged into cooperative movement to transmit the thermoelastic movement of the shape memory alloy component to the output shaft and when the resilient coupling element is in a deflected condition the output member and the drive member are allowed to move relative to one another;
- and
- a protective mechanism positioned within the shape memory alloy actuator assembly to prevent damage to the shape memory alloy component.
4 more elements
A shape memory alloy actuator assembly comprising:
- a shape memory alloy component including a set of stacked parallel conductive plates having shape memory alloy links connecting adjacent plates;
- an output shaft coupled to the shape memory alloy component such that contraction of the shape memory alloy component causes output shaft movement;
- a return force component coupled to the shape memory alloy component to move the shape memory alloy component from a contracted configuration to an extended configuration, said return force component providing a tailored return force to the shape memory alloy component;
- and
- a protective mechanism to prevent damage to the shape memory alloy component.
2 more elements
A shape memory alloy actuator assembly, comprising:
- a shape memory alloy component including a set of stacked parallel conductive plates having shape memory alloy links connecting adjacent plates;
- a drive member coupled to the shape memory alloy component;
- an output shaft;
- an output member coupled to the output shaft;
- a resilient coupling element having a fixed condition and a deflected condition wherein when the resilient coupling element is in the fixed condition, the output member and the drive member are urged into cooperative movement to transmit the thermoelastic movement of the shape memory alloy component to the output shaft and when the resilient coupling element is in a deflected condition the output member and the drive member are allowed to move relative to one another;
- and
- a protective mechanism positioned within the shape memory alloy actuator assembly to prevent damage to the shape memory alloy component.
4 more elements
A shape memory alloy actuator assembly comprising:
- a shape memory alloy component;
- an output shaft coupled to the shape memory alloy component such that contraction of the shape memory alloy component causes output shaft movement;
- means for providing a tailored return force to the shape memory alloy component to move the shape memory alloy component from a contracted configuration to an extended configuration;
- and
- a protective mechanism to prevent damage to the shape memory alloy component.
2 more elements
A shape memory alloy actuator assembly, comprising:
- a shape memory alloy component;
- a drive member coupled to and drivable by the shape memory alloy component;
- an output shaft;
- an output member coupled to the output shaft and drivable by the drive member;
- means for selectively coupling the output member and the drive member, the means for selectively coupling selectively urging the output member and the drive member into cooperative movement to transmit the thermoelastic movement of the shape memory alloy component to the output shaft and selectively allowing the output member and the drive member to move relative to one another;
- and
- a protective mechanism positioned within the shape memory alloy actuator assembly to prevent damage to the shape memory alloy component.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.