Shape memory alloy fuel injector

摘要

An actuator for controlling the flow of a fluid stream through a valve comprising a shape memory alloy element that positions a valve element to a first position when said SMA element is in an ambient temperature state and a second position when said SMA element is in an elevated temperature state, and a flow plate situated in the fluid stream in a position upstream of the SMA element and having a through-hole pattern to increase the velocity of fluid around the SMA element while it is in its elevated temperature state so as to cool the SMA element by fluid controlled by said valve and return the SMA element to its ambient temperature state.