Actuator using shape memory alloy

摘要

A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator. The SMA actuator, which generates an operating force by using SMA elements, includes fixed member, movable member mounted on fixed member to move between first position and second position, first SMA element mounted to positionally move the movable member to the first position, a second SMA element mounted to positionally move the movable member to second position, a first position fixing means for positionally fixing the movable member at the first position by a magnetic force in such a way that the movable member is separable from first position fixing means, and second position fixing means for positionally fixing the movable member at the second position by a magnetic force in such a way that the movable member is separable from the second position fixing means. According to the present invention, a high reaction speed and remarkably reduced power consumption can be provided.

主权项

1. An actuator which generates an operating force by using shape memory alloy (SMA) elements, the actuator comprising:
a fixed member comprising:
a base portion,a left side portion, anda right side portion; a movable member disposed on a top surface of the base portion, wherein the movable member comprises:
a horizontal portion,a vertical portion protruding upwardly from a center of the horizontal portion,a first coupling member, anda second coupling member, wherein the first and second coupling members are mounted on opposite ends of the horizontal portion; a first SMA element mounted onto the left side portion of the fixed member and onto the vertical portion of the movable member; a second SMA element mounted onto the right side portion of the fixed member and onto the vertical portion of the movable member; a first magnet mounted on the fixed member adjacent to the left side portion of the fixed member; and a second magnet mounted on the fixed member adjacent to the right side portion of the fixed member.