Actuation Mechanism Reset via Shape-Memory Alloy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuation mechanisms in military and other industries are often single-use and difficult to test or validate due to their fast-acting and responsive nature, lacking a reliable method for resetting or unlocking after initial activation.
Innovation Solution
An actuation mechanism featuring a housing with a movable plunger and piston, where a shape-memory alloy wire changes length in response to a stimulus (such as electric current or temperature), causing the locking mechanism to unlock the plunger, allowing for repeated use and testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-use actuation mechanism is used to ensure fast and reliable actuation, then the actuation speed and reliability are improved, but the ability to test and validate the mechanism is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reset mechanism that recovers the actuation mechanism to its initial state after use. The wire 90 changes phase from martensite to austenite when heated, causing the piston 70 to return to its initial position and the locking mechanism to re-engage, thereby recovering the mechanism for repeated testing and validation while maintaining reliable actuation functionality
2Speed
If a single-use actuation mechanism is used to ensure fast and reliable actuation, then the actuation speed is improved, but the reusability of the mechanism is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The reset mechanism using shape-memory alloy wire 90 enables the mechanism to be recovered and reused multiple times. The wire undergoes phase transformation when heated, restoring the piston 70 to its initial position and allowing the locking mechanism to re-engage, thus extending the operational lifespan of the actuation mechanism while preserving fast actuation speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the physical state (phase) of the shape-memory alloy wire 90 in response to temperature changes. The wire transforms from martensite phase to austenite phase when heated, causing dimensional changes that drive the piston 70 to return to its initial position, enabling repeated use of the actuation mechanism
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable and repeatable actuation with the ability to reset the mechanism, enhancing testing and validation capabilities while maintaining fast-acting responsiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the wire is composed of a material configured to change its length in response to a stimulus, wherein when the wire is subjected to the stimulus, the wire changes its length and moves the piston from a first position to a second position
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation mechanism used in, for example, a missile assembly is disclosed, as are methods of its use. The actuation mechanism is locked in a first orientation and is unlocked in a second orientation. Locking and unlocking of the actuation mechanism is achieved by way of a locking mechanism that responds to a certain stimulus. In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism is incorporated into a sub-assembly of a missile to assist in controlling the missile's flight.