Inchworm actuator based on shape memory alloy composite diaphragm
US8072302B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 5, 2008 |
| Grant date | Dec 6, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 8, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02N2/023
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Linear actuators (also known as inchworm actuators) including a magnetically actuatable member with a plurality of wings or blades made from a 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. The actuator assembly includes a housing, a magnetic trigger including an electromagnet and a permanent magnet, and the magnetically actuatable SMA member. Significantly, the wings/blades of the magnetically actuatable SMA member are coupled to the housing. Activation of the magnetic trigger causes the magnetically actuatable SMA member to move 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 a SMA (i.e., a ferromagnetic SMA composite).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.