Activation of human-protecting safety mechanisms using smart materials

A personnel-protection system, for actuating a safety mechanism, to protect against exposure to an unwanted stimulus, using a transformable material, comprising:

• a biasing element mechanically coupled to (i) the transformable material and (ii) the safety mechanism;
• the safety mechanism configured to be selectively moved, against a force of the biasing element, by operation of the transformable material to one of an engaged position and an unengaged position;
• and
• the transformable material being configured and arranged in the system so that, in operation of the system, when the transformable material is exposed to the stimulus, the transformable material changes from a first form to a second form, thereby causing motion of the safety mechanism;
• wherein:
• the stimulus is selected from a group consisting of lack of heat and radiation;
• and
• the biasing element is configured and arranged in the system to facilitate changing the transformable material from the second form to the first form following exposure to the stimulus.

A personnel-protection system, for protecting humans from electrical shock from an electrical component, the system comprising:

• a transformable material;
• a safety mechanism comprising a movable locking component;
• and
• a biasing element mechanically coupled to (i) the transformable material and (ii) the safety mechanism;
• wherein:
• the transformable material is coupled to the electrical component;
• the transformable material is configured to actuate the safety mechanism by changing from a first shape to a second shape in response to receiving electrical current upon a discharge of the electrical component;
• the biasing element is configured to facilitate changing the transformable material from the second shape to the first shape following the discharge;
• and
• the locking component is configured and arranged in the system so that the locking component, when actuated by the transformable material, moves to lock an access feature associated with the electrical component to limit human access to the electrical component.