초록 ▼

A micro-dimensioned shape memory alloy composite composed of a thin film of shape memory material and a substrate film. The substrate film does not require further processing and thus the composite can be used as a switch without removing any portion of the substrate on which the SMA is deposited. I

A micro-dimensioned shape memory alloy composite composed of a thin film of shape memory material and a substrate film. The substrate film does not require further processing and thus the composite can be used as a switch without removing any portion of the substrate on which the SMA is deposited. It is also shown that more effective switches can be manufactured by including as a component of the composite a stress compensating film.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A mechanical switch of micro-dimensions comprising a substrate having a face which comprises an actuator portion, said actuator portion comprising a control member which is free to displace between first and second positions, a film of shape memory alloy material deposite

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A mechanical switch of micro-dimensions comprising a substrate having a face which comprises an actuator portion, said actuator portion comprising a control member which is free to displace between first and second positions, a film of shape memory alloy material deposited in bonded relationship onto the actuator portion of the substrate face, the shape memory alloy material being characterized in contracting in volume by reversibly transforming from martensitic to austenitic crystalline phases responsive to being heated through a phase-change transition temperature, the film being devoid of any portion which is not bonded with the actuator portion to enable said contraction in volume to create a stress in the substrate which causes said displacement of the control member. [2.] The mechanical switch of claim 1 further comprising one or more compensating films superposed on a second face of the substrate film, said one or more compensating films having substantially the same thermal properties as the SMA film but said one or more compensating films do not exhibit the shape memory effect.