SELF-ADJUSTING PRELOAD FOR MEMORY ALLOY WIRE
First Claim
1. A preload mechanism for a memory alloy wire actuator, the preload mechanism comprising:
- a rotating element having first and second contact points and a pivot, the rotating element configured to rotate about the pivot, wherein the first contact point is configured to couple to the memory alloy wire actuator such that contraction of the memory alloy wire actuator displaces the first contact point such that the rotating element rotates from a first position to a second position; and
a bias element having first and second ends, the first end coupled to the second contact point of the rotating element and the second end configured to be pinned relative to the pivot, wherein the bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end,wherein the preload mechanism comprises an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot, the offset distance having a first value when the rotating element is in the first position and a second value when the rotating element is the second position.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A preload mechanism for a memory alloy wire actuator is disclosed that includes a rotating element configured to rotate about a pivot. The rotating element has a first contact point that is configured to couple to the memory alloy wire actuator such that contraction of the memory alloy wire actuator displaces the first contact point such that the rotating element rotates from a first position to a second position. The preload mechanism also includes a bias element with a first end that is coupled to a second contact point of the rotating element and a second end configured to be pinned relative to the pivot. The bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end. The line of action has an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot. The offset distance has a first value when the rotating element is in the first position and a second value when the rotating element is the second position, the second value being smaller than the first value.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A preload mechanism for a memory alloy wire actuator, the preload mechanism comprising:
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a rotating element having first and second contact points and a pivot, the rotating element configured to rotate about the pivot, wherein the first contact point is configured to couple to the memory alloy wire actuator such that contraction of the memory alloy wire actuator displaces the first contact point such that the rotating element rotates from a first position to a second position; and a bias element having first and second ends, the first end coupled to the second contact point of the rotating element and the second end configured to be pinned relative to the pivot, wherein the bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end, wherein the preload mechanism comprises an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot, the offset distance having a first value when the rotating element is in the first position and a second value when the rotating element is the second position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for opening a lidded container with a preload mechanism comprising:
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contracting a memory alloy wire in a latch release mechanism, the memory alloy wire coupled to a capstan in contact with a rotating element having a pivot, wherein the contracting of the memory alloy causes the rotating element to rotate about the pivot from a first position to a second position against a restoring force provided by a biasing element having at least one end pinned relative to the pivot; releasing a lid in the lidded container; and providing access to a medication for a patient from the lidded container. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification