Shape memory bi-directional rotary actuator
US5127228A · kind A · utility
65Cited by
3References
2Claims
0Family size
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 7, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 7, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF03G7/06146
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A shape memory actuator capable of high torque densities capable of being used on space applications and other fields. The actuator is made of two concentric tubular shape memory alloy (SMA) members (12 and 14) torsioned along their longitudinal axis with ends constrained relative to each other. One end of the actuator is constrained while the other is the output. A heater (16) is located inside the inner SMA member (12). A heater (18) is located on the outside of the outer SMA member (14). The unconstrained end is caused to rotate between positions by applying current to the appropriate heater.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.