FLUID CONTROL VALVE UTILIZING SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY DRIVING SPRING

摘要

A fluid control valve having a shape memory alloy spring for moving the valve member between an open position and a closed position is provided. The valve includes a valve assembly cylinder, a valve assembly cap fitted to the cylinder, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet associated with the cylinder, a first member having a cam follower groove, a second member having a cam operatively associated with the groove, a fluid flow gate associated with one of the members as well as the inlet and the outlet, a return spring associated with one of the members, and the shape memory alloy spring associated with one of the members. The length of the shape memory alloy spring changes in response to changes in temperature. The first member is either a rotating valve or a reciprocating member. The second member is either a reciprocating ring or a rotating valve cylinder.

主权项

1. A fluid control valve comprising:
a valve assembly cylinder; a valve assembly cap fitted to said cylinder; a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, said inlet and said outlet being associated with said cylinder; a first member having a cam follower groove, said groove having an arcuate portion; a second member having a cam operatively associated with said groove; a fluid flow gate associated with one of said members, said inlet and said outlet; a return spring associated with one of said members; and a shape memory alloy spring associated with said one of said members.