Method and System for Shape-Memory Alloy Wire Control
First Claim
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1. A shape-memory alloy wire actuation system comprising:
- at least one shape-memory alloy wire;
a valve member connected to the at least one shape-memory alloy wire wherein the shape-memory alloy wire, when actuated, actuates the valve member;
a controller for controlling the ontime of the at least one shape-memory alloy wire; and
a temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire, wherein the controller determines the ontime based on the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire before actuation.
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Abstract
A method for controlling a device using a shape-memory alloy wire is disclosed. The method includes determining an ontime for the shape-memory alloy wire based on a target volume to be pumped by a pump plunger, determining the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire and adjusting the ontime based on the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. A shape-memory alloy wire actuation system comprising:
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at least one shape-memory alloy wire; a valve member connected to the at least one shape-memory alloy wire wherein the shape-memory alloy wire, when actuated, actuates the valve member; a controller for controlling the ontime of the at least one shape-memory alloy wire; and a temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire, wherein the controller determines the ontime based on the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire before actuation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A shape-memory alloy wire pumping system comprising:
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a pump plunger wherein the pump plunger effectuates the pumping of fluid from a reservoir; at least one shape-memory alloy wire connected to the pump plunger wherein the shape-memory alloy wire, when actuated, actuates the pump plunger; a controller for controlling the ontime of the at least one shape-memory alloy wire; and a temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire, wherein the controller determines the ontime based on the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire before actuation. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
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Specification