Electrical switching devices using a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuation mechanism
AssigneeRockwell Collins, Inc.
InventorsGerard A. Woychik, Susan M. Olson, Ryan J. Legge, Bryan S. McCoy
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Abstract
An electrical switching device employs an actuator mechanism formed of a shape memory alloy (SMA). The electrical switching device includes a housing, at least one non-actuated electrical contact supported in the housing, and an actuator assembly contained within the housing. The actuator assembly includes a movable contact for engaging the non-actuated electrical contact and an actuator formed of a shape memory alloy (SMA). Application of a first electrical current to the actuator causes the actuator to move the movable contact to either engage or disengage the non-actuated electrical contact.
Claims20
A circuit, comprising:
- a high frequency antenna coupler for an aircraft communication system, comprising an electrical switching device, comprising:
- a vacuum tube housing;
- a first non-actuated contact supported in the housing;
- a second non-actuated contact supported in the housing;
- and
- an actuator assembly contained within the housing, the actuator assembly including a movable contact for engaging the first non-actuated contact and the second non-actuated contact and an actuator formed of shape memory alloy (SMA);
- wherein application of a first electric current to the actuator causes the actuator to move the movable contact to one of engage or disengage the first and second non-actuated contacts so as to one of complete or open a circuit between the first and second non-actuated contacts, respectively.
An electrical switching device, comprising:
- a vacuum tube housing;
- a first non-actuated electrical contact supported in the housing;
- and
- a second non-actuated electrical contact supported in the housing;
- an actuator assembly contained within the housing, the actuator assembly including a movable contact for engaging the first non-actuated electrical contact and the second non-actuated electrical contact and an actuator formed of shape memory alloy (SMA);
- wherein application of a first electrical current to the actuator causes the actuator to move the movable contact to one of engage or disengage the first non-actuated electrical contact and the second non-actuated electrical contact so as to one of complete or open a circuit between the first and second non-actuated electrical contacts,
- wherein the actuator assembly further comprises a diaphragm or flapper pivotally mounted in the housing for supporting the movable contact and a spring coupled to the diaphragm and to an internal surface of the housing,
- wherein the actuator further comprises a wire extending between the internal surface of the housing and the diaphragm or flapper, the wire contracting when the first electric current is applied for pivoting the diaphragm or flapper and causing the movable contact to engage the non-actuated electrical contact.
A circuit, comprising:
- a high frequency antenna coupler for an aircraft communication system, comprising:
- an electrical switching device, comprising:
- a vacuum tube housing;
- a first non-actuated electrical contact supported in the housing;
- a movable contact contained within the housing;
- and
- means, formed of shape memory alloy (SMA), for moving the movable contact between a first position and a second position;
- wherein application of an electrical current to the contact moving means moves the movable contact to complete or open a circuit between the first non-actuated electrical contact and a second non-actuated electrical contact.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.