Flow control assemblies having integrally formed shape memory alloy actuators
AssigneeAlfmeier Prazision AG Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
InventorsRoderick MacGregor, Andrei Szilagyi, Peter Emery Von Behrens
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Abstract
In one embodiment of the present invention, a shape memory alloy (“SMA”)-actuated flow controller comprises a number of grille members, each having a long axis and being slideable relative to one another parallel to that long axis. The SMA-actuated flow controller also includes a frame configured to guide the number of grille members, and an actuator disposed within the frame to move at least one of the number of grille members for varying a size of an aperture. Further, the actuator includes an SMA actuator that includes a number of SMA elements each connecting one grille member to another.
Claims10
A shape memory alloy actuator, comprising:
- a rotatable member having a shaft along an axis about which said rotatable member rotates;
- and
- an actuator disposed within said shaft and configured to generate a force causing said rotatable member to rotate, said actuator comprising a shape memory alloy (“SMA”) actuator including a number of SMA elements, each of said number of SMA elements includes a first end connected to a first attachment point anchored on an immovable structure, each of said number of SMA elements further includes a corresponding point located within the shaft, the corresponding point being located off said axis of rotation of said shaft, wherein an amount of rotating force is generated by each of said number of SMA elements at said corresponding point in a first direction of rotation when said SMA element is actuated.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.