Shape memory alloy latch with stable on-off position

摘要

A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator includes a SMA element connected to a first crown to move the first crown with respect to a second crown along an axis to toggle the actuator rod between a first position and a second position, the first position and the second position maintained when the SMA element is deenergized.

主权项

1. A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator comprising:
an actuator rod movable along an axis; a first crown defining a first set of teeth directly engageable with said actuator rod; a second crown defining a second set of teeth directly engageable with said actuator rod, said set of second teeth define a first height and a second height, an axial difference between said first height and said second height defines a stroke of said actuator rod along said axis, said first crown axially movable with respect to said second crown along said axis; and an SMA element connected to said first crown to move said first crown with respect to said second crown along said axis to alternately toggle said actuator rod between an actuator rod first position and an actuator rod second position, said actuator rod first position and said actuator rod second position maintained when said SMA element is deenergized.