Circuit interruption device employing shape memory alloy element
US9425014B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 2015 |
| Grant date | Aug 23, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 11, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H71/145
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A circuit interruption device includes a support, a set of separable contacts, a first member movable between an OFF position and an ON position, a second member, and a transport mechanism that includes a shape memory alloy element. When the first member is in the OFF position, the second member is in an extended position, the shape memory alloy element is in its first shape, and the first surface and the another first surface are engaged with one another and resist movement of the first member away from the OFF position. Responsive to an electrical pulse, the shape memory alloy element transforms into its second shape and moves the first member toward the ON position. When the second member is in the extended position, the another second surface engages with the second surface to resist movement of the first member away from the ON position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.