Mechanical overload protection utilizing superelastic shape memory alloy actuation

摘要

An actuation assembly adapted for driving a load, and protecting against overload conditions, includes an actuator defining a stroke, and a resistive member, such as a superelastic shape memory alloy spring, drivenly coupled to the actuator, so as to be displaced over the stroke when an overload condition exists, and defining a non-linear force versus displacement profile.

主权项

1. An overload protection device adapted for use with an actuator drivenly coupled to a load, defining a stroke, and presenting a maximum actuation force and structural capacity, said device comprising:
a resistive member drivenly coupled to the actuator opposite the load, operable to be displaced over the stroke, presenting an initial deformation required force not greater than the maximum actuation force, and defining a non-linear force versus displacement relationship over the stroke, such that the member is caused to displace only when the required force is less than the load.