Shape memory alloy rods for actuation of continuous surfaces

A system for connecting two relatively movable structures on an aircraft, comprising:

• a first rigid structure attached to one of the relatively movable rigid structures;
• a second rigid structure attached to another of the relatively movable structures;
• a flexible skin connected to said first and second rigid structures;
• a sleeve comprising first and second end portions;
• a first rod comprising a first end portion attached to said first rigid structure, a second end portion slidably disposed inside said first end portion of said sleeve, and an intermediate portion made of shape memory alloy;
• a second rod comprising a first end portion attached to said second rigid structure, a second end portion slidably disposed inside said second end portion of said sleeve, and an intermediate portion made of shape memory alloy;
• and
• means for heating at least said intermediate portions of said first and second rods.

An aircraft comprising:

• a first structure comprising a relatively rigid skin;
• a second structure comprising a relatively rigid skin, at least one of said first and second structures being movable relative to the other;
• and
• a connection assembly having a first end connected to said rigid skin of said first structure and a second end connected to said rigid skin of said second structure, said connection assembly comprising a flexible skin, a sleeve comprising first and second end portions, a first rod comprising a first end portion slidably disposed inside said first end portion of said sleeve, and a second rod comprising a first end portion slidably disposed inside said second end portion of said sleeve, wherein each of said first and second rods comprises shape memory alloy,
• wherein said flexible skin of said connection assembly and said relatively rigid skins of said first and second structures define a continuous surface.

An aircraft comprising first and second structures and a connection assembly connecting said first and second structures to each other, said connection assembly comprising:

• a first rod block attached to said first structure;
• a second rod block attached to said second structure;
• a flexible skin having one end connected to said first rod block and another end connected to said second rod block;
• and
• a plurality of assemblies disposed within or adjacent to said flexible skin, wherein each assembly comprises:
• a sleeve;
• a first rod comprising a first portion slidably disposed inside said sleeve, a second portion attached to said first rod block, and a third portion disposed between said first and second portions of said first rod, wherein said third portion of said first rod comprises shape memory alloy trained to produce a two-way memory effect in response to heating and cooling;
• and
• a second rod comprising a first portion slidably disposed inside said sleeve, a second portion attached to said second rod block, and a third portion disposed between said first and second portions of said second rod, wherein said third portion of said second rod comprises shape memory alloy trained to produce a two-way memory effect in response to heating and cooling.