Memory alloy-actuated apparatus
AssigneeAutosplice, Inc.
InventorsLeonid Foshansky, Robert Bogursky
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Improved actuator apparatus and methodologies for manufacturing and using the same. In one exemplary embodiment, the actuator apparatus includes an SMA filament that: (1) minimizes size and increases stroke length via a serpentine-like routing of the SMA filament within the device itself; (2) reduces power consumption as a result of a relatively flat stroke force as a function of stroke displacement operating profile; (3) enables the actuator assembly to remain in a fully actuated state, at a consistent stroke force, for longer periods of time; and (4) is also fully reversible so as to be capable of use in both push-based and pull-based actuator applications. Methods of operation and manufacturing associated with the aforementioned actuator apparatus are also disclosed.
Claims20
A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator assembly, the SMA actuator assembly comprising:
- one or more SMA filaments, the one or more SMA filaments being electrically coupled with respective ones of a plurality of terminals;
- a driver element configured to move when power is applied to at least one of the one or more SMA filaments;
- a pivot assembly, which in combination with the one or more SMA filaments, is configured to actuate the driver element;
- and
- a housing assembly configured to house the one or more SMA filaments, the driver element, and the pivot assembly, the housing assembly comprising a body portion and end cap portions;
- wherein the end cap portions are configured to be swapped on either end of the body portion, thereby enabling the configuration of the SMA actuator assembly from a pull-based configuration to a push-based configuration.
A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator assembly, the SMA actuator assembly comprising:
- one or more SMA filaments, the one or more SMA filaments being electrically coupled with respective ones of a plurality of terminals;
- a pivot assembly, which in combination with the one or more SMA filaments, is configured to actuate a driver element, the driver element further comprising a filament routing channel, the filament routing channel used for the routing of a portion of the one or more SMA filaments;
- a rod coupled with the driver element, the rod further configured to be received within an aperture located on the pivot assembly;
- and
- a chassis configured to house the pivot assembly therein, the pivot assembly configured to rotate in either of two directions within the chassis.
A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator assembly, the SMA actuator assembly comprising:
- a plurality of SMA filaments, the SMA filaments being electrically coupled with respective ones of a plurality of terminals, the plurality of SMA filaments comprising a loop filament, an upper filament, a lower filament and one or more jumper filaments;
- a pivot assembly, which in combination with the plurality of SMA filaments, is configured to actuate a driver element, the driver element further comprising a guide feature configured to facilitate lateral movement along a chassis, the driver element further comprising a routing channel configured to route at least one of the plurality of SMA filaments around a portion of the driver element;
- and
- the chassis configured to house the pivot assembly therein, the pivot assembly configured to rotate within the chassis.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.