초록 ▼

A distributed activation system for a unitary sheet of electrically conductive or insulative shape memory alloy having a sufficiently small section to limit the lateral flow of heat including at least one heating element disposed on the shape memory alloy sheet for locally heating an adjacent portio

A distributed activation system for a unitary sheet of electrically conductive or insulative shape memory alloy having a sufficiently small section to limit the lateral flow of heat including at least one heating element disposed on the shape memory alloy sheet for locally heating an adjacent portion of the sheet such that the adjacent portion assumes a predetermined shape when activated to its threshold temperature. The activation system may be configured for shape memory alloy apparatus and related methods in combination with a control system for selectively activating discrete shape memory alloy portions with various combinations of at least one heating element that receive an adjustable current such that the resultant local heating causes the sheet to assume a desired overall shape. Methods of forming and selectively activating two-dimensional sheets of electrically conducive and insulative shape memory alloy are further provided.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A distributed activation system, comprising a unitary two-dimensional continuous sheet of shape memory alloy having a sufficiently small thickness to limit the lateral flow of heat;an insulator positioned on a surface of said sheet of shape memory alloy; anda plurality of

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A distributed activation system, comprising a unitary two-dimensional continuous sheet of shape memory alloy having a sufficiently small thickness to limit the lateral flow of heat;an insulator positioned on a surface of said sheet of shape memory alloy; anda plurality of independently controllable heating elements patterned on said insulator, each one of an independently controllable heating element of said plurality providing local heating of an adjacent portion of said sheet such that said adjacent portion assumes a predetermined shape when activated to its threshold temperature, said plurality of independently controllable heating elements being configured to be coupled to a heater control device that selectively passes an electrical current through at least one heating element to provide local heating of said sheet.