A preload mechanism for a memory alloy wire actuator is disclosed that includes a rotating element configured to rotate about a pivot. The rotating element has a first contact point that is configured to couple to the memory alloy wire actuator such that contraction of the memory alloy wire actuator
A preload mechanism for a memory alloy wire actuator is disclosed that includes a rotating element configured to rotate about a pivot. The rotating element has a first contact point that is configured to couple to the memory alloy wire actuator such that contraction of the memory alloy wire actuator displaces the first contact point such that the rotating element rotates from a first position to a second position. The preload mechanism also includes a bias element with a first end that is coupled to a second contact point of the rotating element and a second end configured to be pinned relative to the pivot. The bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end. The line of action has an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot. The offset distance has a first value when the rotating element is in the first position and a second value when the rotating element is the second position, the second value being smaller than the first value.
대표청구항▼
1. An actuator assembly comprising: a memory alloy wire actuator comprising: a memory alloy wire having first and second ends; andat least one terminal coupled to one end of the memory alloy wire;a rotating element having a first contact point, a second contact point, and a pivot, the rotating eleme
1. An actuator assembly comprising: a memory alloy wire actuator comprising: a memory alloy wire having first and second ends; andat least one terminal coupled to one end of the memory alloy wire;a rotating element having a first contact point, a second contact point, and a pivot, the rotating element configured to rotate about the pivot and the first and second contact points disposed radially from the pivot, wherein the first contact point is configured to couple to the memory alloy wire actuator such that contraction of the memory alloy wire actuator displaces the first contact point such that the rotating element rotates from a first position to a second position; anda bias element having first and second ends, the first end coupled to the second contact point of the rotating element and the second end configured to be fixed relative to the pivot, wherein the bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end;the actuator assembly having an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot, wherein the offset distance has a first value when the rotating element is in the first position and a second value when the rotating element is the second position, the second value being smaller than the first value. 2. The actuator assembly of claim 1, further comprising a capstan that is coupled to the first contact point of the rotating element, wherein: the memory alloy wire actuator comprises first and second terminals coupled to the first and second ends of the memory allow wire;the first and second terminals are fixed relative to the pivot;the memory alloy wire passes from the first terminal around the capstan to the second terminal;the capstan is configured to not rotate as the rotating element moves from the first position to the second position such that the memory alloy wire does not slide relative to the capstan. 3. The actuator assembly of claim 2, wherein: the memory alloy wire has a first portion between the first terminal and the capstan and a second portion between the capstan and the second terminal; andthe first portion of the memory alloy wire is parallel to the second portion. 4. The actuator assembly of claim 3, wherein the bias element is a spring element having a spring constant. 5. The actuator assembly of claim 4, wherein the bias element is a torsion spring. 6. The actuator assembly of claim 1, wherein a first line through the locations of the first attachment point when the rotating element is in the first and second positions is approximately perpendicular to a second line through the pivot and a point on the first line that is midway between the locations of the first attachment point when the rotating element is in the first and second positions. 7. The actuator assembly of claim 6, wherein the memory alloy wire actuator applies a force in first and second directions when the rotating element is in the first position and second position, respectively, and wherein the preload mechanism is configured such that the first line is approximately parallel with the average of the first and second directions of the force applied by the memory alloy wire actuator. 8. A lidded container comprising: a memory alloy wire actuator comprising: a memory alloy wire having first and second ends; andat least one terminal coupled to one end of the memory alloy wire;a rotating element having a first contact point, a second contact point, and a pivot, the rotating element configured to rotate about the pivot and the first and second contact points disposed radially from the pivot, wherein the first contact point is configured to couple to the memory alloy wire actuator such that contraction of the memory alloy wire actuator displaces the first contact point such that the rotating element rotates from a first position to a second position; anda bias element having first and second ends, the first end coupled to the second contact point of the rotating element and the second end configured to be pinned fixed relative to the pivot, wherein the bias element has a line of action extending from the second end through the first end;the actuator assembly having an offset distance that is the minimum distance between the line of action and the pivot, wherein the offset distance has a first value when the rotating element is in the first position and a second value when the rotating element is the second position, the second value being smaller than the first value. 9. The lidded container of claim 8, further comprising a capstan that is coupled to the first contact point of the rotating element, wherein: the memory alloy wire actuator comprises first and second terminals coupled to the first and second ends of the memory allow wire;the first and second terminals are fixed relative to the pivot;the memory alloy wire passes from the first terminal around the capstan to the second terminal;the capstan is configured such that the memory alloy wire does not slide relative to the capstan as the rotating element moves from the first position to the second position. 10. The lidded container of claim 8, wherein: the memory alloy wire has a first portion between the first terminal and the capstan and a second portion between the capstan and the second terminal; andthe first portion of the memory alloy wire is parallel to the second portion. 11. The lidded container of claim 8, wherein the bias element is a spring element having a spring constant. 12. The lidded container of claim 11, wherein the bias element is a torsion spring. 13. The lidded container of claim 8, wherein a first line through the locations of the first attachment point when the rotating element is in the first and second positions is approximately perpendicular to a second line through the pivot and a point on the first line that is midway between the locations of the first attachment point when the rotating element is in the first and second positions. 14. The lidded container of claim 3, wherein the memory alloy wire actuator applies a force in first and second directions when the rotating element is in the first position and second position, respectively, and wherein the preload mechanism is configured such that the first line is approximately parallel with the average of the first and second directions of the force applied by the memory alloy wire actuator.
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이 특허에 인용된 특허 (9)
Holmes William K., Apparatus for controlled dispensing of pharmaceutical and medical supplies.
Broadfield Laird ; Lee Patricia M. ; Seelinger Paul M. ; Heffron David T. ; Dibelka Albert W. ; Rodenrys John J. ; Feeney Robert J. ; Calabro Joseph M. ; Conrad William, Method and apparatus for the dispensing of drugs.
Broadfield, Laird; Lee, Patricia M.; Seelinger, Paul M.; Heffron, David T.; Dibelka, Albert W.; Rodenrys, John J.; Feeney, Robert J.; Calabro, Joseph M.; Conrad, William, System and apparatus for the dispensing of drugs.
Broadfield,Laird; Lee,Patricia M.; Seelinger,Paul M.; Heffron,David T.; Dibelka,Albert W.; Rodenrys,John J.; Feeney,Robert J.; Calabro,Joseph M.; Conrad,William, System and apparatus for the dispensing of drugs.
Laird Broadfield ; Patricia M. Lee ; Paul M. Seelinger ; David T. Heffron ; Albert W. Dibelka ; John J. Rodenrys ; Robert J. Feeney ; Joseph M. Calabro ; William Conrad, System and apparatus for the storage and dispensing of items.
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