Patent
Shape memory alloy rotary actuator
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TLDR
A rotary actuator which provides a differential pulley pair having a shape memory alloy wire is thermally cycled through its phase change transition temperature and contracts as discussed by the authors, and tension forces applied by the ends of the wires to opposite sides of the pulley pairs result in a net torque which causes relative rotation.Abstract:
A rotary actuator which provides a differential pulley pair having a shape memory alloy wire The shape memory alloy wire is thermally cycled through its phase change transition temperature and contracts Tension forces applied by the ends of the wires to opposite sides of the pulley pair result in a net torque which causes relative rotation between the pulley pair and a reference base The large mechanical advantage of the differential pulley converts a large force working through a small distance into a relatively large angular rotationread more
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Bistable shape memory effect thermal transducers
TL;DR: In this paper, an electrothermal actuator assembly including a primary or armature member movable between first and second positions and biased to remain in either the first or second position to which it is moved with wires each made of shape memory material attached to the primary and armature members and acting in opposition to one another but, alternatively, when electrical current is passed through the respective wires to increase their temperature whereby they shorten in length to move the primary, the armature or primary member may also interconnect a set of load contacts to supply power to a load in one of the
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