Shape memory alloy locking mechanism
US8827331B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 6, 2011 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 11, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T292/57
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A hardware retention mechanism comprising a frame including a first guide shoulder and a pivot point; an actuator arm including a first guide post; and a first shape memory alloy wire strung between the first guide shoulder and the first guide post that rotates the actuator arm between a locked position and an unlocked position. The actuator arm is rotatable around the pivot point between a locked position and an unlocked position. In some embodiments, the frame may further comprise a second guide shoulder, the actuator arm may further comprise a second guide post, and a second shape memory alloy wire may be strung between the second guide shoulder and the second guide post that rotates the actuator arm between an unlocked position and a locked position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.