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APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING PHASE TRANSFORMATION TEMPERATURE OF A SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY

  • US 20130011806A1
  • Filed: 07/07/2011
  • Published: 01/10/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/07/2011
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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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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