Reusable shape memory alloy activated latch
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A mechanical release mechanism comprising:
- a first structural member moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position;
a bias member coupled to said first structural member;
a second structural member;
a latch integrated with the second structural member, the latch having a bias position above the surface of said second structural member, the latch positioned to oppose the force generated by the bias member when the first structural member is in the latched position;
a shape memory alloy member mounted within said second structural member and coupled to said latch, said shape memory alloy member producing linear activation force that moves the latch towards the surface of the second structural member to produce relative movement between the first structural member and second structural member, wherein said shape memory alloy member is connected to a first connection point within the second structural member, to the latch, and to a second connection point within the second structural member such that an included angle is formed between the first and second connection points and the latch.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A mechanical release mechanism is provided. The mechanical release mechanism includes two structural members in slideable relation one to another. A latch holds one structural member in a latched position relative to the other structural member. A shape memory alloy member disposed within one of the structural members is used to move the latch holding the other structural member thereby allowing relative motion between the structural members.
-
Citations
21 Claims
-
1. A mechanical release mechanism comprising:
-
a first structural member moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position;
a bias member coupled to said first structural member;
a second structural member;
a latch integrated with the second structural member, the latch having a bias position above the surface of said second structural member, the latch positioned to oppose the force generated by the bias member when the first structural member is in the latched position;
a shape memory alloy member mounted within said second structural member and coupled to said latch, said shape memory alloy member producing linear activation force that moves the latch towards the surface of the second structural member to produce relative movement between the first structural member and second structural member, wherein said shape memory alloy member is connected to a first connection point within the second structural member, to the latch, and to a second connection point within the second structural member such that an included angle is formed between the first and second connection points and the latch. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
-
9. A mechanical release mechanism comprising:
-
a first member having a first fixed mechanical obstruction, a second fixed mechanical obstruction and a moveable mechanical obstruction disposed between the first and second fixed mechanical obstructions, the moveable mechanical obstruction movable between a cocked position and a fired position;
a second member disposed in slideable relation to the first member and moveable between a first position when the second member is urged into contact with the moveable mechanical obstruction by a stored energy member and a second position when the second member is in contact with the second fixed mechanical obstruction; and
a shape memory alloy wire disposed within the first member to provide a linear actuation force that selectively alters the moveable mechanical obstruction from the cocked position to the fired position, causing the stored energy member to move the second member into contact with the second fixed mechanical obstruction on the first member, wherein said shape memory alloy wire is connected to a first connection point within the first member, to the moveable mechanical obstruction, and to a second connection point within the first member such that an included angle is formed between the first and second connection points and the moveable mechanical obstruction. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
-
-
16. An apparatus for using a shape memory alloy to control a moveable mechanical obstruction, comprising:
-
a first member, positionable between a cocked position and a fired position;
a second member disposed in slideable relation to the first member;
a resilient member coupled to the first member;
a moveable mechanical obstruction integral to the second member, the moveable mechanical obstruction moveable between a cocked position and a fired position such that when the movable mechanical obstruction is in the cocked position the first member is held in the cocked position against the resilient member;
a shaped memory alloy wire disposed within said second member and attached to the moveable mechanical obstruction such that the moveable mechanical obstruction is moved from the cocked position to the fired position by a linear actuation force generated when the shape memory alloy wire is heated above its austenite transition temperature by applying electric current to the shape memory alloy wire and that when the moveable mechanical obstruction is in the fired position the resilient member causes the first member to move relative to the second member in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second member. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
-
Specification