×

System and method for controlling shape memory alloy actuators

  • US 6,543,224 B1
  • Filed: 01/29/2002
  • Issued: 04/08/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/29/2002
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method of controlling a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator, comprising the steps of:

  • supplying maximum control voltage to an SMA actuator where an object having a position to be controlled by the SMA actuator were to move toward a target position upon supply of non-zero control voltage, and the instantaneous actual position of the object is at a distance above a predetermined threshold from the target position; and

    supplying a variably controlled voltage to the SMA actuator between the maximum voltage and about zero voltage where the object to be controlled were to move toward the target position upon supply of the variably controlled voltage, and the instantaneous actual position of the object is at a distance below the predetermined threshold from the target position.

View all claims
  • 3 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×