Power switch device with shape memory alloy actuator
US10607798B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 14, 2018 |
| Grant date | Mar 31, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 14, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2061/0122
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A power switch device has a housing, a movable shuttle and at least one shape memory alloy actuator. The housing has a cavity and stationary current carrying contacts which extend through the housing to the cavity. The movable shuttle with a bridge contact provided in the cavity. The at least one shape memory alloy actuator is attached to a first end of the shuttle and to a first end of the housing. The at least one shape memory alloy actuator is configured to respond to a first activation signal. The at least one shape memory alloy actuator contracts from an initial shape in response to the first actuation signal to move the shuttle and the bridge contact toward the stationary current carrying contacts to a closed position in which the bridge contact is positioned in electrical engagement with the stationary current carrying contacts.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.