초록 ▼

A shape memory alloy actuator array comprising a plurality of individually trained shape memory alloy actuators to provide relative movement of different actuator array portions and a thin-film heating element positioned adjacent at least one shape memory alloy actuator to thermally activate the act

A shape memory alloy actuator array comprising a plurality of individually trained shape memory alloy actuators to provide relative movement of different actuator array portions and a thin-film heating element positioned adjacent at least one shape memory alloy actuator to thermally activate the actuator for movement away from its initial shape. A shape memory alloy medical device such as a catheter or a conduit is further provided comprising a lattice network or scaffolding of individually activated and oppositely trained shape memory alloy actuators set with a predetermined shape to provide a full range of directional movement within a body, and a network of thin-film heating elements to selectively activate a combination of actuators for movement or variable stiffness. A method of forming a shape memory alloy actuator array is also provided wherein a plurality of shape memory alloy actuators are formed by removing selected window portions from a single sheet of shape memory alloy along a series of spaced apart rows and columns before individual training with a predetermined shape. A thin-film network of addressable heating elements may further be deposited onto the sheet for selective activation of shape memory alloy actuators within the array.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A shape memory alloy catheter comprising:a catheter body formed with a sidewall portion; a shape memory alloy portion positioned adjacent the catheter sidewall portion for providing the catheter body with directional movement while in a patient's body, the shape memory alloy portion having a latt

1. A shape memory alloy catheter comprising:a catheter body formed with a sidewall portion; a shape memory alloy portion positioned adjacent the catheter sidewall portion for providing the catheter body with directional movement while in a patient's body, the shape memory alloy portion having a lattice network of individually configured shape memory alloy micro-actuators; connecting rings wherein the micro-actuators are positioned in between at least two of the connecting rings for separating the micro-actuators into segmented joints; and an addressable thin-film heater element in communication with the shape memory alloy portion for activation of selected micro-actuators, wherein the shape memory alloy portion includes at least one micro-actuator that expands upon heating by an addressable heater element and at least one micro-actuator that contracts upon heating by another addressable heater element.