Heat engine based on shape memory alloys
US4938026A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 1989 |
| Grant date | Jul 3, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 1, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF03G7/0641
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tubular gear made of shape memory alloy in sheet form, having longitudi corrugations and being floatingly supported for rotation about an axis fixedly spaced from the rotational axis of a roller gear in meshing engagement with the corrugations. The tubular gear is sequentially deformed by exposure to radiated heat causing the shape memory alloy to expand circumferentially. Said meshing engagement with roller gear and such deformation of the tubular gear within differential temperature regions established by restricted exposure to the radiated heat; induces and sustains rotation of the tubular gear to convert the heat energy into mechanical energy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.