Method and device for measuring strain using shape memory alloy materials
US6550341B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 27, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 22, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 27, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01L1/2287
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An article and method for measuring strain using a strain gauge made of a shape memory y alloy, and preferably a pseudoelastic alloy, is disclosed. The strain gauge includes an element that preferably is attached to a substrate and mounted on an object, or is woven or stitched to a fabric to measure the strain experienced under an applied stress. The preferred pseudoelastic alloy is Nitinol, which in pseudoelastic form can elongate by up to approximately 8% to accommodate strain in an object or fabric. When woven into a fabric, a Nitinol-based strain gauge can measure strains of up to approximately 20% in the fabric. The strain gauge can be used in such applications as automotive and aircraft seatbelts, parachute canopies and static lines, and commercial cargo nets.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.