Receiver/emitter cover utilizing active material actuation

A receiver/emitter protection system adapted to protect an engaging surface defined by a vehicle from a space or window providing access to the surface, the system comprising:

• a receiver/emitter defining the engaging surface;
• a housing to enclose the engaging surface wherein the housing defines the space or window;
• a moveable cover configured to overlay the engaging surface so as to form superjacent layers with the engaging surface when the moveable cover is in a protective position;
• an engaging prong defined along a lateral centerline of the cover;
• an actuator including an active material element having a first end fixedly attached to the housing on a first side of the lateral centerline and a second end fixedly attached to the housing on a second side of the lateral centerline opposite the first side, wherein:
• the element is disposed in contact with the engaging prong to bend the element at an angle;
• the element defines a first leg and a second leg of an isosceles triangle with the engaging prong substantially at a first vertex of the triangle;
• the first end and the second end of the active material element are respectively at a second and third vertex of the isosceles triangle;
• a position of the second vertex and a position of the third vertex do not move when the active material element is activated;
• the element is operable to undergo a change in length when activated;
• the element is drivenly coupled to the cover via the engaging prong such that the cover is selectively caused to move between the protective position and an open position;
• the movement of the cover is an amplification of the change in length of the element;
• and
• the engaging surface is exposed to the space or window as a result of the change in length of the element;
• an activation signal source communicatively coupled to the active material element, and operable to selectively produce an activation signal;
• and
• a pair of parallel slots defined in the housing to linearly guide the movement of the cover in a presence of an asymmetrical activation of the first leg relative to the second leg, wherein the active material element is selected from the group consisting of shape memory polymers, electroactive polymers (EAP), magnetostrictive materials, and electrostrictive materials.