Circuit breaker actuated by shape memory alloy
US4797649A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 17, 1987 |
| Grant date | Jan 10, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 17, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H83/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A circuit breaker includes first and second contactors having connecting/disconnecting means which normally keeps the two contactors in contact with each other. A shape memory alloy is mechanically connected to a predetermined portion of one of the connecting/disconnecting means of one contactor is electrically connected in parallel with a device to be protected, e.g. an electric circuit or an electric element. When a voltage of a predetermined value or more is applied to the device being protected, a current of a predetermined value or more passes through the shape memory alloy, whereby the alloy is heated to produce its shape memory effect. A shape recovering force is applied to the connecting/disconnecting means of the on contactor in a predetermined direction to separate the contactors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.