RESETTABLE DEVICES

摘要

A device for cycling a component between a first condition and a second condition includes an element and a reset apparatus connected to and driven by the element. The element is formed from a shape memory alloy, wherein the alloy is transitionable between a martensite crystallographic phase and an austenite crystallographic phase in response to a thermal energy source. The apparatus is actuatable by the element from an initial state in which the alloy has the martensite phase and the component is in the first condition, to an actuated state in which the alloy has the austenite phase and the component is in the second condition. The apparatus is resettable from the actuated state to a reset state in which the alloy transitions from the austenite to the martensite phase while the component is in the first condition, and further resettable from the reset state to the initial state.

主权项

1. A device for cycling a component between a first condition and a second condition, the device comprising:
an element formed from a shape memory alloy and contractable in a first direction, wherein the shape memory alloy is transitionable between a martensite crystallographic phase and an austenite crystallographic phase in response to a source of thermal energy; a reset apparatus connected to and driven by the element, the reset apparatus including:
a link translatable in a second direction that is opposite the first direction to thereby cycle the component to the second condition; anda disc rotatable about an axis of rotation and operatively connected to the link;wherein the disc includes a plurality of projections extending therefrom;wherein the reset apparatus is actuatable by the element from an initial state in which the shape memory alloy has the martensite crystallographic phase and the component is in the first condition, to an actuated state in which the shape memory alloy has the austenite crystallographic phase and the component is in the second condition;wherein the reset apparatus is resettable from the actuated state to a reset state in which the shape memory alloy transitions from the austenite crystallographic phase to the martensite crystallographic phase while the component is in the first condition; andwherein the reset apparatus is further resettable from the reset state to the initial state; and a cam connected to the link and defining a groove therein; wherein the cam is annular, coupled to the disc, and rotatable about the axis of rotation.