Fracturing shape memory mechanical actuators and systems
AssigneeRaytheon Company
InventorsFrederick B. Koehler, Ward D. Lyman, Michael J. Birch
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A mechanical actuator is disclosed. The mechanical actuator can comprise an interface portion configured to interface with an object, a spring configured to exert a force on the interface portion, and a shape memory member coupled to the interface portion. The shape memory member can be configured to fracture at a predetermined temperature range. Upon fracture of the shape memory member, the force of the spring can cause the interface portion to act on the object.
Claims19
A mechanical actuator, comprising:
- an interface portion configured to interface with an object;
- a spring positioned adjacent the interface portion, the spring comprising a shape memory alloy having a pre-determined transition temperature;
- and
- a shape memory member having one end coupled to the interface portion and having a transition temperature the same or similar to the transition temperature of the spring, wherein the shape memory member comprises a stress concentrator to provide a fracture locus, and
- wherein, upon reaching the transition temperature, the shape memory member fractures and the spring exerts a force on the interface portion to act on the object.
A mechanical actuator system, comprising:
- an object;
- and
- a mechanical actuator, having
- an interface portion configured to interface with the object,
- a spring positioned adjacent the interface portion, the spring comprising a shape memory alloy having a pre-determined transition temperature;
- and
- a shape memory member having one end coupled to the interface portion and having a transition temperature the same or similar to the transition temperature of the spring, wherein the shape memory member comprises a stress concentrator to provide a fracture locus, and
- wherein upon reaching the transition temperature, the shape memory member fractures and the spring exerts a force on the interface portion to act on the object.
A method for facilitating mechanical actuation of an object, comprising:
- providing a mechanical actuator having
- an interface portion configured to interface with an object,
- a spring positioned adjacent the interface portion, the spring comprising a shape memory alloy having a pre-determined transition temperature, and
- a shape memory member coupled to the interface portion and having a transition temperature the same or similar to the transition temperature of the spring;
- and
- facilitating fracture of the shape memory member and activation of the spring at the transition temperature, wherein upon fracture of the shape memory member, the force of the spring causes the interface portion to act on the object.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.