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.]1. A method of making a distributed actuator array having a two-dimensional SMA sheet, the method comprising the methods of:a.) providing an insulating layer over the two-dimensional SMA sheet;b.) providing a distributed array of heaters over the insulating layer, each to

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of making a distributed actuator array having a two-dimensional SMA sheet, the method comprising the methods of:a.) providing an insulating layer over the two-dimensional SMA sheet;b.) providing a distributed array of heaters over the insulating layer, each to selectively heat a respective portion of the two-dimensional SMA sheet;c.) providing electrically isolated feed lines for supplying current to each respective heater of the array;d.) providing an array of sensors for deriving angular deflection states of local portions of the two-dimensional SMA sheet;e.) providing a control unit;f.) providing a storage device to store a set of the angular deflection states for the local portions of the two-dimensional SMA sheet;g.) storing in the storage device electrical current values respectively associated with the angular deflection states; andh.) providing selected ones of the current values to the control unit to selectably enable the flow of electrical current through ones of the feed lines to achieve an associated one of the angular deflection states.