Shape memory based actuator
US11441548B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 2018 |
| Grant date | Sep 13, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 11, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF05B2280/5006
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An actuator includes a strand of shape memory material having a length that is variable between a first length corresponding to an undeformed state and a second length corresponding to a state of lengthwise deformation. The strand is arranged to return to the undeformed state when it is heated to a predetermined temperature. The strand includes a fixed end and a mobile end arranged to move between a first and a second position when the variable length of the SMM strand changes. The actuator further includes a heating wire coiled around the strand for heating the strand, the coiled heating wire forming a circular helix, the uniform slope of which is selected so as to avoid any substantial change of the arc length of the circular helix caused by the strand changing its length.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.