Electrically activated pivot assembly
US10280904B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 9, 2016 |
| Grant date | May 7, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 6, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U70/20
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An exemplary rotational assembly includes a base having a circular collar and first and second arms that rotate about the circular collar in opposite angular directions. In a stored state the arms have substantially the same angle relative to the circular collar; in a deployed state the arms have rotated into opposing positions. Each end of a Nitinol wire is coupled to the first and second arms and contracts when heated by the flow of electrical current. This contraction causes the simultaneously application of a rotational force to the first and second arms causing the first and second arms to rotate about the circular collar in opposite angular directions. The simultaneous counter rotating angular forces during rotation of the arms causes no substantial change in angular inertia at the base.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.