Linear motion actuator utilizing extended shape memory alloy member
US4806815A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 27, 1987 |
| Grant date | Feb 21, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 27, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF03G7/066
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A linear motion actuator which has a body; a member which is movable in a linear direction with respect to the body; an extended member made of shape memory alloy material, extended in a direction transverse to that linear direction so as to intersect it, supported at its ends by the body, and substantially coupled at its intermediate portion to the movable member at least with regard to mutual movement therebetween in that linear direction; and an element for biasing the movable member and the intermediate portion of the extended shape memory alloy member in that linear direction, so as to apply an elongation deformation to the extended shape memory alloy member. This linear motion actuator is inexpensive, compact, and light, and can be operated with a low voltage electrical supply, without being made bulky. Also, this linear motion actuator has an appropriate stroke to force relationship, and can be arranged to have a considerably large stroke. This linear motion actuator is quiet in its operation, and has high power, and further develops this high power at the start of the motion of its actuated member. No substantial problems of uneven heating of the shape memory alloy member o…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.