Latching actuator

摘要

A latching actuator capable of repeated operation in a cryogenic, remote, or difficult-to-access environment, capable of enduring many cycles without user intervention or maintenance, capable of latching in a fixed position without consuming additional power, or to operate independent of external environmental conditions. In selected embodiments, a latching actuator may comprise an expansion chamber that houses a working substance capable of undergoing a phase change, a logic mechanism, a biasing assembly, and an output pin. In one embodiment, a wax motor may provide the motive force to toggle a latching mechanism. An actuator may be capable of positioning an output pin in two or more discrete latching positions and may be used to create a thermal connection between two structures, to engage or disengage a clutch, or to position an optical element in an optical instrument. An actuator may also be used as a launch lock apparatus.

主权项

1. A method for actuating a latching actuator, the method comprising:
heating a working substance and changing a phase of the working substance from a solid phase to a liquid phase and moving thereby an output pin from a latched-retracted position to an unlatched position; and cooling the working substance and changing the phase of the working substance from the liquid phase to the solid phase and moving thereby the output pin from the unlatched position to a first latched-extended position.