PLUG ASSEMBLY FOR OPENING AND CLOSING A DRAIN HOLE

摘要

A drain plug assembly that has particular application for sealing a drain hole in a battery compartment on a vehicle. The plug assembly includes a plug that inserted into the drain hole and a cover covering the plug. The plug assembly also includes a first shape memory alloy (SMA) wire having ends attached to the cover and a middle portion attached to the plug and a second SMA wire having ends attached to the cover and a middle portion attached to the plug. The plug assembly also includes a mechanical hinge attached to the plug and the cover, wherein the first SMA wire is actuated to flip the hinge to position the plug in a closed position to close the drain hole and the second SMA wire is actuated to flip the hinge to position the plug in an open position to open the drain hole.

主权项

1. A plug assembly for opening and closing a drain hole, said plug assembly comprising:
a plug that seals the drain hole when the plug is inserted into the drain hole; a cover covering the plug; a first shape memory alloy (SMA) wire having a first end attached to one side of the cover, a second end attached to an opposite side of the cover and a middle portion attached to the plug; and a second SMA wire having a first end attached to one side of the cover, a second end attached to an opposite side of the cover and a middle portion attached to the plug, wherein the first SMA wire is actuated to position the plug in a closed position to close the drain hole and the second SMA wire is actuated to position the plug in an open position to open the drain hole, and wherein the first and second SMA wires are actuated by applying a current to the wires.