Miniature latching valve
US6742761B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 10, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/22
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An SMA actuated miniature latching valve for on and off control of fluid flow. A valve closure includes a poppet for opening and closing the fluid flow path. The poppet is operated responsive to an actuator mechanism which has SMA wires arranged to be actuated by electric resistant heating. Actuation causes different ones of the wires to contract and pull the poppet either toward or away from a valve seat. A latching mechanism comprising a conical spring operates between two bistable positions which hold the poppet either fully open or fully closed without further application of power to the actuators. A method of forming a secure mechanical and electrical connection between an SMA wire end and its support includes the steps of swaging a metal cone between a cone-shaped hole in the support and the wire end.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.