초록 ▼

A novel shape memory alloy electrical switch is disclosed, including both momentary and especially a latching relay. The switch/relay disclosed is particularly useful in low power control of appliances, including i.a. refrigerators. Used with a microprocessor, microcontroller, or like device to cont

A novel shape memory alloy electrical switch is disclosed, including both momentary and especially a latching relay. The switch/relay disclosed is particularly useful in low power control of appliances, including i.a. refrigerators. Used with a microprocessor, microcontroller, or like device to control the shape memory alloy switch/relay, an adaptive control routine may be included which facilitates an especially low-power dissipation, highly effective appliance control module, especially suitable for refrigerators. The disclosed refrigerator control module can be manufactured at low cost with high reliability.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] An electrical switch, comprising:an elongated shape memory alloy actuator having a first portion and a second portion;a switching arm, coupled to the first and second actuator portions, the switching arm having first and second positions;a first electrical contact;a second electric

[ We claim:] [1.] An electrical switch, comprising:an elongated shape memory alloy actuator having a first portion and a second portion;a switching arm, coupled to the first and second actuator portions, the switching arm having first and second positions;a first electrical contact;a second electrical contact connected to the switching arm, and disposed to be electrically isolated from the first electrical contact when said switching arm is in the first position and disposed to be electrically connected to the first electrical contact when said switching arm is in the second position;a first electrical path for applying an electrical current through the first portion of the actuator; anda second electrical path for applying an electrical current through the second portion of the actuator;wherein at least one of the first and second electrical paths includes at least a portion of the switching arm.