Actuators based on ferromagnetic shape memory alloy composites
US7688168B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 8, 2005 |
| Grant date | Mar 30, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 17, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF05C2201/0466
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Linear actuators (also known as an inchworm actuator) including a magnetically actuatable shape memory alloy (SMA) are described. The linear actuators include a bar and an actuator assembly, configured to achieve a linear displacement of the actuator assembly relative to the bar. A hybrid magnetic trigger including an electromagnet and a permanent magnet is used to selectively attract the magnetically actuatable SMA toward the magnetic trigger. The motion of the magnetically actuatable SMA can be converted to a linear displacement. The magnetically actuatable SMA can be implemented using a SMA exhibiting both ferromagnetic and SMA properties, or by a ferromagnetic mass coupled with an SMA (i.e., a ferromagnetic SMA composite). Linear actuators including bars incorporating a ratchet mechanism, and featureless bars are described. A hydraulic system incorporating actuators including magnetically actuatable SMA membranes is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.