Electrical switching devices using a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuation mechanism
US7928826B1 · kind B1 · utility
9Cited by
33References
20Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 4, 2006 |
| Grant date | Apr 19, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 3, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2061/0115
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electrical switching device employs an actuator mechanism formed of a shape memory alloy (SMA). The electrical switching device includes a housing, at least one non-actuated electrical contact supported in the housing, and an actuator assembly contained within the housing. The actuator assembly includes a movable contact for engaging the non-actuated electrical contact and an actuator formed of a shape memory alloy (SMA). Application of a first electrical current to the actuator causes the actuator to move the movable contact to either engage or disengage the non-actuated electrical contact.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.