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Actuating device with multiple stable positions

  • US 6,220,550 B1
  • Filed: 03/31/1999
  • Issued: 04/24/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/31/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An actuating device for moving an aerodynamic surface subject to fluid forces resulting from relative movement of the surface and a fluid, the actuating device comprising:

  • an active portion including at least one flexure member confined in an elastically deformed condition and being movable between one stable position in which said active portion is elastically deformed to exert an actuating force for holding the surface in one position against a fluid force thereon and another different stable position in which said active portion is elastically deformed to exert an actuating force for holding the surface in a different position against a fluid force thereon; and

    at least one shape-memory alloy actuating wire attached to each of two opposing sides of said flexure member, wherein one said actuating wire is elongated when said flexure member is in one of its stable positions so that heating said wire contracts it and moves said flexure member to its other stable position and elongates the other said actuating wire.

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