Shape memory alloy actuated fluid control valve
US6247678A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 1, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 19, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 1, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49156
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fluid control valve having a shaped memory alloy (SMA) driven actuator is disclosed. The SMA driven actuator includes a first frame section coupled to a valve body and fixed in relation thereto, a second frame section coupled to a movable element of the valve body and movable in relation to the valve body, and a multiplicity of SMA wire sections coupling the first and second frame sections for moving the movable element from a biased first position to a second position when heated. An electrical controller controls the heating of the SMA wire sections by regulating current therethrough, preferably using pulse width modulation techniques. The electrical controller may be governed by a position measurement signal proportional to the position of the movable element to regulate current to the SMA drive element to position the movable element to a desired position. The position measuring signal may be provided from a position measuring element integral to the valve actuator. The valve actuator may also include a temperature controller governed by an electrical temperature signal provided by a temperature-sensing device in proximity to the SMA drive element to activate a cooling device…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.