초록 ▼

A preferred rotary actuator includes an actuator assembly having a torque tube formed of a shape memory alloy (SMA), a superelastic NiTinol return spring associated with the torque tube and adapted to bias the torque tube toward an initial position, and a torque tube heating element, especially a th

A preferred rotary actuator includes an actuator assembly having a torque tube formed of a shape memory alloy (SMA), a superelastic NiTinol return spring associated with the torque tube and adapted to bias the torque tube toward an initial position, and a torque tube heating element, especially a thermoelectric device, for switching the SMA to cause rotation to an object connected to the actuator or to generate a torque upon that object. The torque tube (24) includes a proximal end (32) and a distal end (34). The return spring and torque tube are connected at their ends, with the torque tube being pretwisted while in a martensitic state relative to the spring. Activation of the heating element causes the torque tube to enter an austenitic state in which it returns to its previous untwisted configuration. Removal of heat allows the torque tube to return to a martensitic state, when the return spring retwists the torque tube. A unique locking assembly 22 is used with the preferred actuator assembly. A helicopter blade twist rotation system for a rotorcraft blade 200 having a blade root 202 and a tip 204 includes a SMA rotary actuator 18 located within the blade near the blade root, and a passive torque tube (206) located within the blade and having a proximal end connected to the rotary actuator and a distal end connected to the blade near to the blade tip.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A rotary actuator, comprising:(a) a first torque tube formed of a shape memory alloy (SMA) and adapted to rotate from an initial position in one rotational direction upon switching the SMA between states; (b) a superplastic return spring located inside and connected to the torque tube and adapted

1. A rotary actuator, comprising:(a) a first torque tube formed of a shape memory alloy (SMA) and adapted to rotate from an initial position in one rotational direction upon switching the SMA between states; (b) a superplastic return spring located inside and connected to the torque tube and adapted to return the torque tube to the initial position; and (c) at least one thermoelectric device associated with the torque tube to switch the SMA between states at selected intervals, the device pumping heat from the torque tube to the spring to effect the state change.