Patent · US Active

Shape memory alloy disc vent cover release

US10254097B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by
49References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 15, 2015
Grant dateApr 9, 2019
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 26, 2036

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF42B39/20
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A release mechanism includes a frame with an interior. The release mechanism also includes a prestrained element coupled to the interior of the frame. The prestrained element creates a seal with the frame. The prestrained element is notched in one or more regions. The prestrained element is configured to fracture when heated to a predetermined temperature allowing the interior to open. The fracture is based on the notched regions of the prestrained element such that separation initiates within the notched regions. The remaining regions of the prestrained element unfractured. The shape memory alloy element can include one or more of a nickel-titanium alloy, a titanium-nickel alloy, a copper-zinc-aluminum alloy, a copper aluminum nickel alloy, and a nickel titanium hafnium alloy. Heating of the shape memory alloy element causes a stress in the shape memory alloy that causes fracturing of the prestrained alloy when sufficient heating has been achieved.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.