Stud fastener and stabilising device
US7854580B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 2006 |
| Grant date | Dec 21, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 29, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S411/909
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to a stabilising device (120) for an assembly which includes two shape memory alloy wires (104, 106) adapted to operate in conjunction. The stabilising device (120) includes a rocker plate (108) for attachment to each of the shape memory alloy wires; the rocker plate (108) is adapted to pivot when one shape memory alloy wire (104 or 106) is subjected to a stress greater than that to which the other shape memory alloy wire (106 or 104) is subjected, in order to reduce the stress on the first-mentioned shape memory alloy wire. The invention further relates to a fastener (60) including a stud (54) having a locking cavity (56), an aperture (58) adapted to receive the stud (54), a locking means (teeth) (62) adapted to engage the locking cavity (56), a shuttle (66) rotatable by a rotating means including material adapted to contract when activated and a plug (87) slidable within the shuttle (66) to close off the aperture (58) when not occupied by the stud (54). The shuttle (66) is rotatable by the rotating means between a locking position, in which the locking means (teeth) (62) engages the locking cavity (56), and an unlocking position in which the locking means (t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.