초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for spatially orienting a remote flexible member such as the tip of a borescope to point in a desired direction employs heating to its transition temperature a shape memory efffect SME alloy actuating element coupled to the tip and cable. In one embodiment, an elongated helica

A method and apparatus for spatially orienting a remote flexible member such as the tip of a borescope to point in a desired direction employs heating to its transition temperature a shape memory efffect SME alloy actuating element coupled to the tip and cable. In one embodiment, an elongated helical spring fabricated from an SME alloy such as NI－TI or CU－ZN－AL is longitudinally disposed between the remote end of a borescope cable, and the borescope tip. An electrical resistance wire heater in contact with the spring and energized by an electrical power source controlled by an observer at the near end of the cable is used to heat a selected part of the spring to the transition temperature of the SME alloy of which it is fabricated, producing a controlled deflection of the borescope tip to point in a direction directed by the observer.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for deflecting the tip of a borescope at the end of a flexible cable to point in a desired direction comprising: (a) at least one helical spring fabricated from a shape memory effect alloy and having a memory of at least one shape imprinted on said spring, said shape being recoverable w

An apparatus for deflecting the tip of a borescope at the end of a flexible cable to point in a desired direction comprising: (a) at least one helical spring fabricated from a shape memory effect alloy and having a memory of at least one shape imprinted on said spring, said shape being recoverable with the production of accompanying external force when at least part of said spring is heated to the transition temperature of said shape memory effect alloy of which said spring is fabricated, the degree of completeness of said shape recovery being proportional to the closeness of the actual temperature of said spring to said transition temperature of said spring, (b) means for restoring said spring to a quiescent, second shape when said spring is cooled below said transition temperature, (c) means for coupling said shape transitions to said borescope tip and cable effective in moving said tip relative to said cable, (d) means for heating said spring to approach said transition temperature as closely as desired, and (e) means for cooling said spring to a temperature below said transition temperature.