Asymmetric bistable shape memory alloy inertial actuator

Abstract

An asymmetric bistable shape memory alloy inertial actuator and its use in devices are provided that can prevent accidental actuation caused by environmental temperature changes, while retaining temperature-related safety features.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an asymmetric bistable inertial actuator, its method of operation, and its use in devices, and in particular to an actuator in which the driven element is moved by one or more wires made of a shape memory alloy (hereinafter "SMA"). [Background technology]

[0002] The shape memory phenomenon is known to consist in the fact that a mechanical piece made of an alloy exhibiting this phenomenon is able to transition, upon a temperature change, between two shapes preset during manufacture, in a very short time and without intermediate equilibrium positions. The first mode in which the phenomenon can occur is called "one-way", in which the mechanical piece changes shape in one direction upon a temperature change, for example from shape A to shape B, whereas the transition in the opposite direction, from shape B to shape A, requires the application of a mechanical force.

[0003] Alternatively, in the so-called "two-way" mode, both transitions can be induced by a change in temperature. This occurs due to a transformation of the crystal structure of the elements from a type stable at low temperatures, called martensitic, to a type stable at high temperatures, called austenitic, and vice versa (M / A and A / M transitions). These transitions are characterized by four temperatures: martensite final (Mf), martensite start (Ms), austenite start (As), and austenite final (Af).

[0004] SMA wires need to be trained to function as shape memory elements. The SMA wire preparation process typically allows for a good repeatability of a martensite / austenite (M / A) phase transition when the wire is heated and an austenite / martensite (A / M) phase transition when the wire is cooled. The M / A transition causes the wire to shorten by 3%-5%, but when the wire cools, the A / M transition allows the wire to recover from this shortening and return to its original length.

[0005] This property of SMA wire, contracting when heated and re-extending when cooled, has long been exploited to obtain very simple, compact, reliable and inexpensive actuators. In particular, this kind of actuator is used in some bistable electrical switches to move a driving element from a first stable position to a second stable position and vice versa. The term "driving element" is intended here to have a very general meaning, since it can take a myriad of forms depending on the specific manufacturing needs, as long as its movement is the element that determines the switching of the switch between two stable operating positions.

[0006] Some examples of bistable SMA wire actuators are described in the applicant's US Pat. Nos. 5,399,433 to 5,633,643, all of which refer to solutions using two SMA wires.

[0007] Another example of a bistable SMA actuator is described in US Pat. No. 5,399,433, where bistable action is achieved by using SMA wires in an antagonistic configuration. US Pat. No. 5,499,433 uses an SMA wire acting on a rotating element with a spring as a stability locker, or US Pat. No. 5,499,433 shows two SMA wires in an antagonistic configuration to switch the tilt of a rocker with a fixed pivoting element placed in its middle part.

[0008] An SMA-based solution utilizing a different principle is described in US Pat. No. 6,399,433, which discloses an inertial actuator in which the inertial mass is decoupled from the actuator body and driven over a longer distance by impulse activation. In this invention, certain applications, such as flow diverters as described below, involve a high degree of customization to properly design the return mechanism, unavoidable delays when the system needs to return to the starting position, and a lack of "symmetry" between the two stable configurations.

[0009] Another SMA-based solution for a bistable inertial actuator is described in the present applicant's WO 2021 / 197980, which describes a symmetric actuator in which the forces applied by the SMA wires to the inertial element to switch the actuator between two stable states are essentially equal. The actuator according to the invention shares with the one described in said application the advantage of significantly reducing the need for so-called "overrun", which is usually present in all bistable-based solutions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Pat. No. 4,544,988 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 5,977,858 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 6,943,653 [Patent Document 4] European Patent No. 2735013 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,545 [Patent Document 6] European Patent No. 1593844 [Patent Document 7] British Patent No. 2558618 [Patent Document 8] U.S. Patent No. 8,656,713 [Patent Document 9] US Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0186730 [Patent Document 10] U.S. Pat. No. 9,068,561 [Patent Document 11] U.S. Patent No. 6,835,083 [Patent Document 12] International Publication No. 2019 / 003198 [Non-patent literature]

[0011] [Non-Patent Document 1] “The Mechanical Response of Shape Memory Alloys Under a Rapid Heating Pulse” by Vollach et al published in 2010 on Experimental Mechanics [Non-Patent Document 2] “High-speed and high-efficiency shape memory alloy actuation” by Motzki et al. published in 2018 on Smart Materials and Structures [Non-Patent Document 3] “A Study of the Properties of a High Temperature Binary Nitinol Alloy Above and Below its Martensite to Austenite Transformation Temperature” by Dennis W. Norwich presented at the SMST 2010 conference Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] There are some specific applications where having only one transition driven by inertial behavior while the return transition to the starting position is driven differently is an advantageous feature. For example, an actuator utilizes the Joule effect to move the actuator from a first position to a second position, and then uses SMA actuation, either via current control or via an increase in environmental temperature (T>Af), as the appropriate mechanism for switching back to the first position. An exemplary advantageous application of this concept is an electrical relay where there is an automatic release of the actuator if the temperature is too high, indicating a dangerous situation (fire). [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The object of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of prior art actuators, in particular with regard to their ability to prevent accidental actuation related to fluctuations in environmental temperature while retaining temperature related safety features, and in a first aspect thereof resides in an asymmetric inertial bistable shape memory alloy actuator comprising the elements as set out in claim 1.

[0014] Preferably, the asymmetric inertial bistable shape memory alloy actuator is configured to have a d2 / d1 ratio comprised between 0.05 and 0.70, preferably between 0.10 and 0.30, where d1 is defined as the distance between the crank pin and the dead center of the crank-and-rod mechanism in a first stable position and d2 is defined as the analogous distance in a second stable position.

[0015] The different distances in the stable positions of the two actuators are a key concept of the present invention, assuring the asymmetric behavior of the actuators. In particular, it is important that in one transition (from the first stable position to the second stable position), the mass M present in the crank-rod mechanism has a sufficient distance from the dead center to gain enough momentum to pass through the dead center, while in the return run (from the second stable position to the first stable position), the transition is driven by additional forces that are not provided only by the actuation of the SMA wires. Such forces can be given by: - the weight force of a mass M, or - the magnetic force, if the mass M and / or the crank-rod mechanism are made of magnetic or ferromagnetic material and the actuator includes at least one suitable stationary magnet.

[0016] According to the above definition, the transition from the first stable position to the second stable position can only occur upon fast actuation of the SMA wire and is essentially only inertial driven, whereas the return or switchback from the second stable position to the first stable position requires at least a second force contribution to the SMA wire action, such additional force being provided by weight or at least one magnet, or a combination of weight and magnetic action. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1A] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of an asymmetric inertial bistable shape memory alloy actuator in two stable positions according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 1B] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of an asymmetric inertial bistable shape memory alloy actuator in two stable positions according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention; [Figure 1C] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the actuator in an intermediate unstable position corresponding to dead center. [Figure 2A]1A-1D are schematic diagrams of several preferred connection configurations for the SMA wires present in the actuator. [Figure 2B] 1A-1D are schematic diagrams of several preferred connection configurations for the SMA wires present in the actuator. [Figure 2C] 1A-1D are schematic diagrams of several preferred connection configurations for the SMA wires present in the actuator. [Figure 2D] 1A-1D are schematic diagrams of several preferred connection configurations for the SMA wires present in the actuator. [Figure 3A] 3A-3C are schematic diagrams of an asymmetric inertial bistable shape memory alloy actuator in two stable positions according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] 3A-3C are schematic diagrams of an asymmetric inertial bistable shape memory alloy actuator in two stable positions according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] 5A-5C are schematic diagrams of an asymmetric inertial bistable shape memory alloy actuator in two stable positions according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] 5A-5C are schematic diagrams of an asymmetric inertial bistable shape memory alloy actuator in two stable positions according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] 5A-5C are schematic diagrams of an asymmetric inertial bistable shape memory alloy actuator in two stable positions according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] 5A-5C are schematic diagrams of an asymmetric inertial bistable shape memory alloy actuator in two stable positions according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] 11A-11C are schematic diagrams of an asymmetric inertial bistable shape memory alloy actuator in two stable positions according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] 11A-11C are schematic diagrams of an asymmetric inertial bistable shape memory alloy actuator in two stable positions according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an asymmetric inertial bistable shape memory alloy according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an asymmetric inertial bistable shape memory alloy according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The invention will be further explained through the following exemplary embodiments with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

[0019] To facilitate understanding of the drawings, the dimensions and dimensional ratios of elements have in some cases been modified specifically and non-exclusively with respect to the size of the inertial mass and the shortening of the SMA wires. Furthermore, some elements that are not necessary for understanding or characterizing the invention, such as the current sources of the SMA wires, are not shown.

[0020] A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an asymmetric bistable shape memory alloy actuator 100 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1A (first stable position) and FIG. 1B (second stable position). The actuator 100 includes a stationary support 11, a movable slider 12 having a first end 12' and a second end 12", a slider guide 13 fixed to the stationary support 11, and a rotatable lever 14 having one unrestrained end contacting the stationary support 11 via an end stop 111 and the other unrestrained end fixed to the stationary support 11 via a pivot 14'. The unrestrained end of the rotatable lever 14 contacts the first end 12' of the movable slider 12 and moves it in a first direction (to the right in the illustrated example) upon actuation of a U-shaped SMA wire 15, the end of which is fixed to the stationary support 11 via a terminal 15' and the central portion of which is connected to the rotatable lever 14.

[0021] The slider 12 is biased towards the first stable position by a spring 16 having a first end 16' connected to the slider 12 and a second end 16" connected to the stationary support 11, the biasing spring 16 being housed in a suitable cavity in the slider 12. Other alternative means such as magnetic or gravitational means (e.g. a mass connected to the first end 12' by a cable passing over a pulley) can be used to perform said biasing action.

[0022] The actuator 100 comprises a crank rod mechanism 17 for controlling the movement of an inertial element 19 of mass M arranged on a crank pin, i.e. on a vertically movable pivoting connection between the crank and the rod. More precisely, a first movable arm 17' of the crank rod mechanism 17 acts as a crank and is connected between the element 19 and a first pivot 18' fixed to the support 11, and a second movable arm 17'' of the crank rod mechanism 17 acts as a connecting rod and is connected between the element 19 and a second pivot 18'' fixed to the slider 12 via a suitable coupler 170.

[0023] In this way, the crank rod mechanism 17 and the slider 12 form an inverted slider-crank linkage, and sliding movement of the slider 12 along the guide 13 in a first direction starting from the first stable position of FIG. 1A results in counterclockwise rotation of the crank 17' about the pivot 18'.

[0024] Actuation of the SMA wire 15 is such that the crank rod mechanism 17 reaches its dead center (FIG. 1C) with the first crank rod moving arm 17′ aligned with the second crank rod moving arm 17″. From there, the actuator 100 can move from the first stable position (FIG. 1A) to the second stable position (FIG. 1B) only if the SMA wire 15 is rapidly actuated, accelerating the inertial element 19 of mass M to move from the first stable position to the second stable position.

[0025] Switching back from the second stable position to the first stable position is again achieved by actuating the SMA wire 15 against the resistance of the spring 16, bringing the crank rod mechanism 17 to its dead center by rotating the crank 17' clockwise about the pivot 18'. In this case, the gravitational force acting on the inertial element 19 of mass M moves the crank rod mechanism 17 out of the dead center, thus bringing the slider 12 to the first stable position of FIG. 1A.

[0026] The above description explains the concept of asymmetry of the inertial actuator according to the invention, i.e. the switching between the first and the second stable position is only related to the force applied by the actuation of the SMA, geometrically bringing the crank-rod mechanism 17 to its dead point, while the movement of the element 19 from the dead point to the second stable position is always given only by the inertial force (fast actuation of the SMA wire 15).

[0027] On the other hand, the switch back from the second stable position to the first stable position is due to the actuation of the SMA wires bringing the crank rod mechanism 17 to its dead center, whereas the movement of the element 19 from the dead center to the first stable position requires an additional force contribution, more specifically gravity in the embodiment of Figures 1A and 1B. This means that the crank rod mechanism 17 is located in a substantially vertical plane, the second stable position being higher and closer to the dead center than the first stable position.

[0028] Essentially, the transition from the second stable position to the first stable position simply requires actuation of the SMA wire, regardless of the mode (Joule heating or heating from the surrounding environment) or its actuation speed.

[0029] The present invention is not limited to any particular method of connecting the SMA wire 15 to the rotatable lever 14. Some of the more common configurations are shown in the schematic diagrams of Figures 2A-2D.

[0030] More specifically, FIG. 2A shows the connection used in FIGS. 1A-1B having a U-shaped SMA wire 15 wrapped around a rotatable lever 14. FIG.

[0031] In FIG. 2B, a U-shaped SMA wire 15 is wrapped around an eyelet 141 ′ that is connected to a rotatable lever 14 by a rod 141 .

[0032] In FIG. 2C, the SMA wire 15 is fixed directly to a rotatable lever 14 in a so-called "V-shape".

[0033] FIG. 2D shows the simplest alternative having SMA wire 15 in a straight configuration.

[0034] Regarding the connections and number of SMA wires, it is emphasized that in principle two or more SMA wires can act simultaneously on the rotatable lever 14 to accelerate the inertial mass 19, but in practice simultaneous actuation and control of such SMA wires is neither practical nor easy to achieve.

[0035] The asymmetric inertial bistable shape memory alloy actuator according to the present invention may be realized in other embodiments. For example, Figures 3A and 3B show schematic diagrams of a second embodiment of an asymmetric inertial bistable shape memory alloy actuator 300 in two stable positions. In this case, the second end 32" of the slider 32 drives a lever 321 attached to the support 31 via a pivot 320, extending the "reach" of the actuator amplifying its stroke. Another difference shown in Figures 3A and 3B is the fact that the first pivot 38' of the crank rod mechanism 37 acts as an end stop for the first end 32' of the slider 32, while the second pivot 38" is directly connected to the slider 32, and both arms 37', 37" and the inertial element 39 are located within the slider 32 in the second stable position of Figure 3B.

[0036] Figures 4A and 4B show schematic diagrams of a third embodiment of the invention, in which an inertial bistable actuator 400 includes a slider 42 that is longer than a stationary support 41. More specifically, in a first stable position in Figure 4A, a first end 42' of the slider 42 protrudes from the left side of the support 41, while in a second stable position in Figure 4B, a second end 42" protrudes from the right side of the support 41. In this case, the rotatable lever 44 acts on the slider 42 by striking a suitable internal pin 420 of the slider 42, rather than on the first end 42'.

[0037] The bistable asymmetric inertia actuator 400 also provides a return spring 440 which acts on the rotatable lever 44, returning it to its starting position against the end stop 411 when the SMA wire 45 is deactivated. In this way, the SMA wire 45 does not remain slack when the actuator is in the second stable position, as in the first two embodiments, where a slack wire could cause problems for adjacent elements that it may come into contact with.

[0038] 5A and 5B show schematic diagrams of a fourth embodiment of the invention in which an inertial bistable actuator 500 includes a slider 52 that is much shorter than the stationary support 51. More specifically, the crank rod mechanism 57 is located on the side of the slider 52, i.e., the first pivot 58' is on the left side of the first end 52' and the second pivot 58" is directly connected thereto, and the SMA wire 55 is directly connected to the crank 57' of the crank rod mechanism 57, thus eliminating the need for a rotatable lever used in the previous embodiment.

[0039] 6A and 6B show schematic diagrams of a fifth embodiment of the invention, in which an inertial bistable actuator 600 includes a slider 62 directly connected to an inertial element 69 linking a first and a second arm 67', 67" of a crank rod mechanism. The slider 62 extends along the direction of movement of the inertial element 69 to which it is connected at one end, and is arranged between guide elements 63 at the other end. The base ends of two levers 64, 64' are connected to first and second pivots 68', 68" of the crank rod mechanism, respectively, and their opposite tip ends are connected to stops 640, 640' fixed to the stationary support 61, respectively.

[0040] Actuation and resulting shortening of the SMA wire 65 connected between the levers 64, 64' at a position more distal to the stoppers 640, 640' results in the opening of the upper ends of the levers 64, 64' overcoming the resistance of the tension spring 66 internally connecting the levers 64, 64' at a position between the stoppers 640, 640' and the slider 62. As a result, the crank 67' and the connecting rod 67" rotate upwards with counterclockwise and clockwise rotations, respectively, and the asymmetric inertial bistable shape memory alloy actuator 600 moves from the first stable position of FIG. 6A to the second stable position of FIG. 6B.

[0041] It should be noted that in all embodiments, the actuation of the SMA wire is very fast and short, on the order of a few milliseconds, so that it only provides an initial impulse to accelerate the crank rod mechanism enough to pass the dead center, and therefore does not oppose the movement of the actuator towards the second stable position. For example, in the fourth embodiment, when the SMA wire 55 reaches to be aligned with the crank 57', the SMA wire 55 is already de-actuated and does not oppose the counterclockwise rotation of the crank 57' towards the second stable position. The same applies to the other embodiments, i.e. when the crank rod mechanism reaches the dead center, the SMA wire is already de-actuated.

[0042] Needless to say, the various embodiments described above can be combined in different ways to obtain further embodiments not shown in the drawings without departing from the scope and advantages of the present invention. For example, the pivot lever 321 of the second embodiment can also be used in the first, third and fourth embodiments, or the leverless configuration of the fourth embodiment, in which the SMA wire is directly connected to the crank, can also be used in the first three embodiments.

[0043] Another straightforward variant is provided by the inertial mass M being not part or component of the crank pin, as shown in all embodiments, but simply connected to the crank rod mechanism. Furthermore, the inertial mass M may be an equivalent mass from a series of masses present in the actuator, i.e. the sum of contributions of two or more masses, preferably arranged symmetrically in the actuator. In the most general variant, the inertial mass M is provided by two masses arranged symmetrically with respect to the crank pin on the crank rod and connected to the crank pin.

[0044] In all of the above embodiments, the movement from the first stable position to the second stable position is caused by a fast actuation of the SMA wire, and the return from the second stable position to the first stable position is made possible by a gravitational force associated with the inertial mass M, regardless of the actuation speed of the SMA wire. Needless to say, the direction of the gravitational force must be directed from the second stable position to the first stable position, which imposes constraints on the mounting method of the actuator, since it is essentially parallel to the plane in which the crank-rod mechanism, and thus the inertial mass M, moves between the first and second stable positions (taking the center of the inertial mass as the reference point of the plane). In this context, the term "substantially parallel" denotes the situation in which the above elements are parallel or form an angle of less than 45°, preferably less than 20°.

[0045] Asymmetric bistable shape memory alloy actuators according to variations of the present invention can allow for greater mounting freedom by using inertial elements and / or crank rod mechanisms that are magnetic or capable of responding to magnetic fields, i.e., that are magnetic elements themselves or can be attracted to magnets.

[0046] Figure 7 shows an inertial asymmetric bistable shape memory actuator 700, which is a replica of the actuator of Figure 1B in the second stable position, with the addition of a magnet 79' fixed to the stationary support 71 to allow non-inertial return of the inertial element 79, and therefore the slider 72, from the second stable position to the first stable position even if the actuator is mounted beyond the 45° limit mentioned above. In this case, the inertial element 79 is composed of or includes a magnetic element of opposite polarity, or a ferromagnetic material that can be attracted to the magnet 79'.

[0047] Similarly, Figure 8 shows an inertial asymmetric bistable shape memory actuator 800, which is a replica of the actuator of Figure 6B in a second stable position, with the addition of a pair of magnets 89', 89" fixed on a stationary support 81 and positioned symmetrically relative to the inertial element 89 to enable non-inertial return of the inertial element 89, and thus the slider 82, from the second stable position to the first stable position. Also in this case, the inertial element 89 is composed of or includes magnetic elements of opposite polarity or ferromagnetic elements that can be attracted to the magnets 89', 89".

[0048] 7 and 8 show the addition of one or two magnets to the first and fifth embodiments respectively, it is clear that the same addition can be made to the other embodiments and the exact number and location of magnets can be adapted to the specific performance requirements of the actuator. Generally, in the "magnetic" variant of the invention, the magnets are preferably located between the first stable position and the dead center of the crankpin at a distance comprised between 1 / 10 and 9 / 10 of the distance d1 defined above, and they are preferably located in a symmetrical position with respect to the crankpin.

[0049] With the help of magnets, the actuator can operate in any direction, even if the crank rod mechanism moves in a horizontal plane and weight forces do not contribute to the switchback to the first stable position. It is clear that if permanent magnets are used, the magnet placement and strength should be designed to provide the necessary pull of the crank rod mechanism to pass the dead point while minimizing "braking" magnetic effects that would prevent the switchback from being completed (the movement from the first stable position to the second stable position is so fast and the inertial forces are so high that the magnetic effects do not cause significant braking). Otherwise, it is also possible, with a slight increase in the cost and complexity of the actuator, to use electromagnets that are activated and deactivated to provide magnetic traction only when needed, similar to the short-term actuation of SMA wires.

[0050] Those skilled in the art know how to achieve high speed actuation of SMA wires, typically between 5 and 25 ms, see for example Non-Patent Document 1 or Non-Patent Document 2.

[0051] By actuation time is intended the time required to bring the SMA wire to a temperature in the austenitic phase, the so-called Af temperature. To achieve such an effect, even in the case of thin wires, such as wires with a diameter of less than 100 μm, some electronic circuitry may be associated with the SMA wire current supply, such as a capacitor, and such short actuation times can also be achieved with batteries. Some exemplary fast actuation circuits for SMA wires are described in patent document 9 or in the unpublished Italian patent application no. 102021000024875. The means for fast actuation of the SMA wire can be attached to the actuator itself or the actuator is connected to such means via suitable cabling.

[0052] It is emphasized that the term "stationary" should be interpreted in relation to an actuator that can be attached to a movable system or device, whereby the stationary elements (supports, magnets, etc.) do not move / displace upon actuation of the SMA wire.

[0053] The present invention is not limited to a specific SMA material, but Ni-Ti based alloys such as Nitinol, which may alternatively exhibit superelastic or SMA behavior depending on the processing, are preferred. The properties of Nitinol and the methods making it possible to achieve them are widely known to those skilled in the art, see for example "Nittinol", "SMA-based alloys for mechanical properties", Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 1171-1175, 2002.

[0054] Nitinol can be used as is, or its transition temperature characteristics can be adjusted by adding elements such as Hf, Nb, Pt, Cu, etc. The appropriate selection of material alloys and their properties are generally known to those skilled in the art, see, for example, the following: http: / / memry.com / nitinol-iq / nitinol-fundamentals / transformation-temperatures

[0055] SMA wires can also be used "by themselves" or with a coating / sheath to improve their thermal management, i.e., their cooling after actuation. The coating sheath can be uniform, as described in US Pat. No. 5,399,366, which teaches how to manage residual heat by using an electrically insulating coating that is a thermal conductor, but US Pat. No. 5,399,366 discloses that the SMA wire is provided with an enclosing sheath that can improve cooling after every actuation cycle. Also, coatings with a suitable dispersion of phase change material can be used advantageously, as described in US Pat. No. 5,399,366 by the applicant.

[0056] The use of asymmetric inertial bistable shape memory alloy actuators according to the present invention is particularly advantageous in lids, shutters, latches, lockers and pin pullers, but is not limited to any particular application.

Claims

1. An asymmetric bistable shape memory alloy inertial actuator (100; 300; 400; 500; 600; 700; 800), comprising: - a stationary support (11; 31; 41; 51; 61; 71; 81), a slider (12; 32; 42; 52; 62; 72; 82) movably mounted on said stationary support (11; 31; 41; 51; 61; 71; 81), a crank rod mechanism (17; 37; 57) attached to said stationary support (11; 31; 41; 51; 61; 71; 81) and connected to said slider (12; 32; 42; 52; 62; 72; 82); one or more inertial elements (19, 39, 69, 79, 89) of total mass M connected to or forming part of said crank rod mechanism (17, 37, 57), The crank rod mechanism (17; 37; 57) a first stable position and a second stable position located on opposite sides of the dead center; - a single SMA wire (15; 45; 55; 65) acting directly or indirectly on said crank rod mechanism (17; 37; 57) to switch it from said first stable position to said second stable position and vice versa; biasing means for biasing the slider (12; 32; 42; 52; 62; 72; 82) towards the first stable position; a moving pivot connecting the crank (17'; 37'; 57') and the rod (17"; 37"; 57") of said crank rod mechanism (17; 37; 57), the moving pivot having a distance d1 from the dead centre of the crank rod mechanism (17; 37; 57) in a first stable position that is greater than a similar distance d2 in a second stable position; An asymmetric bistable shape memory alloy inertial actuator comprising:

2. The asymmetric bistable shape memory alloy inertial actuator (100; 300; 400; 500; 600; 700; 800) according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of d2 to d1 is between 0.05 and 0.

70.

3. The asymmetric bistable shape memory alloy inertial actuator (100; 300; 400; 500; 700) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the crank rod mechanism (17; 37; 57) comprises a crank (17'; 37'; 57') connected to the stationary support (11; 31; 51) via a first pivot (18; 38; 58') and a rod (17"; 37"; 57") connected to the slider (12; 32; 42; 52; 72) via a second pivot (18; 38; 58").

4. The asymmetric bistable shape memory alloy inertial actuator (100; 300; 400; 500; 700) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the biasing means comprises a spring (16) having a first end (16') connected to the slider (12; 32; 42; 52; 72) and a second end (16") connected to the stationary support (11; 31; 41; 51; 71).

5. The asymmetric bistable shape memory alloy inertial actuator (100; 300; 400; 700) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the SMA wire (15; 45) acts indirectly on the crank rod mechanism (17; 37) via a rotating lever (14; 44;) having a first end connected to the stationary support (11; 31; 41; 71) via a pivot (14') and a second end in contact with the slider (12; 32; 42; 72) at a first end (12; 32') or an internal pin (420), and switches the crank rod mechanism (17; 37) between two stable positions upon actuation of the SMA wire (15; 45) connected to the rotating lever (14; 44).

6. The asymmetric inertial bistable shape memory alloy actuator (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the SMA wire (55) is connected to the crank (57') of the crank rod mechanism (57).

7. 3. The asymmetric inertial bistable shape memory alloy actuator (600; 800) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the slider (62) is connected to the moving pivot (69) connecting the crank (67') and the rod (67") of the crank rod mechanism and extends along the moving direction of the moving pivot (69), and the actuator further comprises two levers (64, 64') connected at their proximal ends to a first pivot (68') and a second pivot (68") of the crank rod mechanism, respectively, and connected at their opposite distal parts to stoppers (640, 640') fixed to the stationary support (61), and the SMA wire (65) is connected between the levers (64, 64') at a more distal position with respect to the stoppers (640, 640') such that actuation thereof results in opening from the proximal end.

8. An asymmetric inertial bistable shape memory alloy actuator (700; 800) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising at least one magnet (79'; 89', 89") fixed to the stationary support (71; 81) at a position between the first stable position and the dead center of the crank rod mechanism, at a distance comprised between 1 / 10 and 9 / 10 of the distance d1 from the crank rod mechanism.

9. An asymmetric inertial bistable shape memory alloy actuator (100; 300; 400; 500; 600; 700; 800) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said inertial element (19; 39; 69; 79; 89) is part of said crank rod mechanism (17; 37; 57).

10. Use of an asymmetric inertial bistable shape memory alloy actuator (100; 300; 400; 500; 600; 700; 800) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for releasably engaging a locking mechanism of a device.

Images