RATCHETING SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTUATORS AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS INCLUDING THE SAME

摘要

Ratcheting shape memory alloy actuators (100) and systems and methods including the same are disclosed herein. The ratcheting shape memory alloy actuators (100) include a ratcheting assembly (110) that is operatively coupled to a first bracket (62) and a shape memory alloy element (150) that is operatively coupled to the ratcheting assembly (110) and to a second bracket (72). The first bracket (62) is configured to be operatively coupled to a first structure (60), while the second bracket (72) is configured to be operatively coupled to a second structure (70). The shape memory alloy element (150) is configured to apply a motive force to the ratcheting assembly (110) upon deformation between a first conformation and a second conformation. The ratcheting assembly (110) is configured to utilize the motive force to selectively adjust an orientation of the first structure (60) relative to the second structure (70).