Memory alloy-actuated apparatus and methods for making and using the same
First Claim
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1. An actuator, comprising:
- a multi-stable element configured to have at least two stable configurations, said multi-stable element comprising one or more radially disposed beams extending from a central ring, said beams coupled to one or more arc segments that form a circular periphery concentric to said central ring;
a shaft assembly configured to be displaced when said multi-stable element changes state from a first to a second of said at least two configurations;
a memory alloy filament adapted to exert force on said multi-stable element when actuated, said force causing said multi-stable element to change state from said first to said second configuration; and
a divider element that physically separates said shaft assembly from a plunger, said plunger adapted for actuation of a movable element.
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Abstract
Actuator apparatus having a multi-stable element actuated by memory alloy actuating elements. In one embodiment, the multi-stable actuator comprises a bistable (two-state) diaphragm element adapted to alternate between two stable configurations via forces exerted on the diaphragm by more than one memory alloy filaments in response to thermal activation. The bistable diaphragm element is coupled to a magnetic actuator element resident on a dry portion of a valve fitting, while a plunger actuated by the magnetic actuator element is resident on a wet portion of a valve fitting. Methods for making and using the bistable actuator apparatus are also disclosed.
91 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An actuator, comprising:
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a multi-stable element configured to have at least two stable configurations, said multi-stable element comprising one or more radially disposed beams extending from a central ring, said beams coupled to one or more arc segments that form a circular periphery concentric to said central ring; a shaft assembly configured to be displaced when said multi-stable element changes state from a first to a second of said at least two configurations; a memory alloy filament adapted to exert force on said multi-stable element when actuated, said force causing said multi-stable element to change state from said first to said second configuration; and a divider element that physically separates said shaft assembly from a plunger, said plunger adapted for actuation of a movable element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An actuator assembly, comprising:
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a wet-side portion, said wet-side portion comprising a plunger element; and a dry-side portion, said dry-side portion comprising; a bistable element comprising two substantially stable configurations; a shaft assembly that is displaced when said bistable element changes state from a first configuration to a second configuration; and a pair of opposing memory alloy filaments routed through said shaft assembly and causing said bistable element to change state when said filaments are actuated, where the pair of opposing memory alloy filaments comprises at least a first memory alloy filament and a second memory alloy filament; wherein the first memory alloy filament is disposed above said bistable element and the second memory alloy filament is disposed below said bistable element. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification