REUSABLE SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTIVATED LATCH

摘要

A mechanical release mechanism is provided. The mechanical release mechanism includes two structural members (5, 15) in slideable relation one to another. A latch (20) holds one structural member in a latched position relative to the other structural member (5, 15). A shape memory alloy member (35) disposed within one of the structural members (5, 15) is used to move the latch (20) holding the other structural member (5, 15) thereby allowing relative motion between the structural members (5, 15).