Shape memory alloy motor

• US 8,307,818 B2
• Filed: 05/27/2011
• Issued: 11/13/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 09/27/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Altaii Karim, Thomas Benjamin
• Original Assignee: Altaii Karim, Thomas Benjamin
• Inventors: Karim, Altaii, Benjamin, Thomas
• Primary Examiner(s): MULLINS, BURTON S
• Application Number:
  US13/134,088
• Publication Number:
  US 20110232419A1
• Time in Patent Office: 536 Days
• Field of Search: 310/75.R, 310/83, 310/306, 60527-529, 74/891.4, 744/25, 192/48.92, 353/3, 126/581, 126605-607, 136/246
• US Class Current: 126/607
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 2030/11 Driving means
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 2030/134 in the form of gearings or rack-and-pinion transmissions
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 2030/16 Hinged elements; Pin connections
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 25/70 with means for adjusting the final position or orientation of supporting elements in relation to each other or to a mounting surface; with means for compensating mounting tolerances
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 30/455 Horizontal primary axis
• CPC Class Codes: F24S 50/20 for tracking
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 3/7861 Solar tracking systems
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/00 Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/0002 Not covered by any one of groups H01L24/00, H01L24/00 and H01L2224/00
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 20/32 specially adapted for solar tracking
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/47 Mountings or tracking
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/50 Photovoltaic [PV] energy
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/18888 Reciprocating to or from oscillating
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/19828 Worm

Abstract

The invention discloses a novel and efficient drive mechanism for use in a variety of applications. This novel mechanism replaces traditional stepper motors or another analogous art with shape memory alloys. The drive mechanism so disclosed provides substantial operational benefits over conventional motors and other such traditional drive mechanisms that would be used in similar applications. The drive mechanism includes a high gear-ratio worm gear and worm drive which further provides precise, controlled movement of an output shaft. In the illustrative use elaborated upon herein, the motor is used to drive a photovoltaic panel so that the panel may remain in appropriate alignment with the sun throughout the day.

Claims

1. A drive mechanism comprising:

a fixed surface;

said fixed surface having a platform pivot portion;

a rotatable output shaft supported on said fixed surface by at least one support bearing;

a worm gear fixed to one end of said output shaft;

a locking arm in rollable contact with said fixed surface;

a drive platform in pivotable contact with said locking arm at a first end and a drive mechanism disposed at the other end;

said drive platform in pivotable contact with said platform pivot;

said drive platform having a locked position and a disengaged position whereby said locked position allows said drive mechanism to remain in mesh with said worm gear and further whereby said disengaged position allows said worm gear to rotate freely; and

a means to power said drive mechanism.

2. The device as in claim 1 wherein said means to power said drive mechanism further comprises a means having at least one nickel titanium alloy actuator and said means being operable absent a source of solar radiation.

3. The device as in claim 1 further comprising a means to disengage the drive platform from said worm gear.