Shape memory alloy (SMA) hinge apparatus, and systems and methods employing same
US10899479B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 11, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jan 26, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 23, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE05Y2900/50
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A controllable shape memory alloy (SMA) hinge apparatus comprises multiple SMA elements to effect a first angle of rotation and a second angle of rotation between a first object and a second object. In one example, respective SMA elements are independently activated by Joule heating to rotate the first object and/or the second object. SMA elements undergo a three-dimensional transformation, and a pair of elements may undergo antagonistic transformations so as to provide for a multiple-use bidirectional non-continuous rotary actuator. SMA elements may be trained to achieve different angles of rotations between the objects (e.g., zero degrees and 90 degrees). In some examples, the first object may be a spacecraft (e.g., a satellite) and the second object may be a deployable structure (e.g., a robotic appendage, a deployable solar panel, a deployable aperture, a deployable mirror, a deployable radiator, and at least one actuator to steer an antenna dish).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.