APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING PHASE TRANSFORMATION TEMPERATURE OF A SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY
First Claim
1. A device adapted for controlling a phase transformation temperature of a first shape memory alloy, the device comprising:
- a primary wire composed of the first shape memory alloy;
wherein the primary wire defines first and second ends, the first end being fixedly attached to a structure and the second end being able to displace;
an activation source thermally coupled to the wire and operable to selectively cause the primary wire to reversibly transform from a Martensitic phase to an Austenitic phase during a cycle;
a loading element operatively connected to the primary wire and configured to selectively increase a tensile load on the primary wire when an ambient temperature is at or above a threshold temperature, thereby increasing the phase transformation temperature of the primary wire.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device and method for controlling a phase transformation temperature of a shape memory alloy is provided. The device includes a primary wire composed of the shape memory alloy. The primary wire defines first and second ends, the first end being attached to a fixed structure and the second end being able to displace. An activation source is thermally coupled to the wire and is operable to selectively cause the primary wire to reversibly transform from a Martensitic phase to an Austenitic phase during a cycle. A loading element is operatively connected to the primary wire and configured to selectively increase a tensile load on the primary wire when an ambient temperature is at or above a threshold temperature, thereby increasing the phase transformation temperature of the primary wire.
21 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A device adapted for controlling a phase transformation temperature of a first shape memory alloy, the device comprising:
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a primary wire composed of the first shape memory alloy; wherein the primary wire defines first and second ends, the first end being fixedly attached to a structure and the second end being able to displace; an activation source thermally coupled to the wire and operable to selectively cause the primary wire to reversibly transform from a Martensitic phase to an Austenitic phase during a cycle; a loading element operatively connected to the primary wire and configured to selectively increase a tensile load on the primary wire when an ambient temperature is at or above a threshold temperature, thereby increasing the phase transformation temperature of the primary wire. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of controlling a phase transformation temperature of a primary wire composed of a first shape memory alloy and defining two ends, the method comprising:
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securing one end of the primary wire in a fixed position such that the other end of the primary wire is able to displace; thermally coupling the primary wire to an activation source for selectively causing the primary wire to reversibly transform from a Martensitic phase to an Austenitic phase during a cycle; selectively increasing a tensile load on the primary wire when an ambient temperature is at or above a threshold temperature, thereby increasing the phase transformation temperature of the primary wire. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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19. A device adapted for controlling a phase transformation temperature of a first shape memory alloy, the device comprising:
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a primary wire composed of the first shape memory alloy; wherein the primary wire defines first and second ends, the first end being fixedly attached to a structure and the second end being able to displace; an activation source thermally coupled to the primary wire and operable to selectively cause the primary wire to reversibly transform from a Martensitic phase to an Austenitic phase during a cycle; a rotatable lever operatively connected to the primary wire; a connecting member at least partially surrounding the lever and movable between two positions, a first connecting position when the ambient temperature is below a threshold temperature, and a second connecting position when the ambient temperature exceeds the threshold temperature; a leaf spring operatively connected to the secondary wire and configured to bias the connecting member towards the first connecting position; a second primary wire composed of the first shape memory alloy and operatively connected to the connecting member; and wherein the second primary wire is configured to assist rotation of the lever only when the connecting member is in the first connecting position.
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Specification