Resettable Sensor Assembly Using Shape Memory Alloy Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature monitoring systems in manufacturing and vehicle applications often require operator attention and additional power sources, and they lack the ability to automatically reset after temperature conditions return to normal, making them inefficient and unreliable for monitoring temperature extremes in varying environmental and thermal conditions.
Innovation Solution
A resettable sensor assembly utilizing a shape memory alloy actuator element that transitions between austenite and martensite phases in response to thermal activation signals, allowing a pin to move between contact and non-contact positions with electrical contacts, enabling passive temperature monitoring and automatic resetting without external power, suitable for various industrial and vehicle applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional temperature monitoring systems are used, then temperature monitoring function is provided, but operator attention and additional power sources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory alloy actuator element utilizes the thermal energy from the temperature deviation itself to drive the reset mechanism. When the temperature returns to normal, the SMA automatically transitions phases and resets the pin, eliminating the need for external power sources or operator intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the shape memory alloy between austenite and martensite phases in response to temperature changes. This phase transition enables the actuator to automatically reset the electrical contact without requiring external energy input.
2Reliability
If traditional temperature monitoring systems are used, then temperature monitoring function is provided, but automatic resetting capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory alloy actuator automatically detects when temperature conditions return to normal and self-resets the pin to its initial position, restoring electrical contact without operator intervention. This eliminates the need for complex control circuits or additional resetting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits the reversible phase transition of shape memory alloy between austenite and martensite phases. When temperature returns to normal, the phase transition automatically drives the pin back to its original position, providing simple yet reliable automatic resetting functionality.
3Extent of automation
If shape memory alloy actuator element is used, then passive temperature monitoring and automatic resetting are enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical control systems with a passive mechanical actuation mechanism based on shape memory alloy. The SMA actuator element directly converts thermal energy into mechanical motion to move the pin, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, control circuits, or power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory alloy undergoes reversible changes in its crystallographic phase (austenite-martensite transition) in response to temperature changes. This parameter change enables the actuator to respond passively to temperature deviations and automatically reset the monitoring system without complex control logic.
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
The solution provides cost-effective, energy-efficient, and autonomous temperature monitoring, automatically resetting to alert operators of temperature deviations and returning to a normal state, enhancing reliability and reducing operational costs in diverse thermal environments.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one actuator element is formed from a shape memory alloy that is transitionable between an austenite crystallographic phase and a martensite crystallographic phase in response to a thermal activation signal to thereby translate the pin between the first position and the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A resettable sensor assembly includes a housing having a longitudinal axis and defining a cavity therein. The assembly includes a divider disposed within the cavity and in contact with the housing, at least one electrical contact disposed within the cavity and extending through the divider, and a pin reversibly translatable within the cavity along the axis. The assembly includes at least one actuator element disposed within the cavity and abutting the housing. The element is configured for translating the pin along the axis between a first position wherein the pin contacts the electrical contact and a second position wherein the pin is spaced apart from the electrical contact. The actuator element is formed from a shape memory alloy that is transitionable between an austenite crystallographic phase and a martensite crystallographic phase in response to a thermal activation signal to thereby translate the pin between the first and second positions.