Victor W Cheng

US Patent:

7810326, Oct 12, 2010

Filed:

Aug 16, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/205794

Inventors:

Minoru Taya - Mercer Island WA, US
Taishi Wada - Isezakichoujya-machi, JP
Hsiu-hung Chen - Seattle WA, US
Masahiro Kusaka - Hyogo, JP
Victor Cheng - Chandler AZ, US
Chiyuan Wang - Seattle WA, US

Assignee:

University of Washington through its Center for Commercialization - Seattle WA

International Classification:

B32B 5/02
C22C 19/00

US Classification:

60527, 60528, 60529, 310307, 310308, 310309

Abstract:

Multiple embodiments of ferromagnetic shape memory alloy (FSMA) based torque actuators are described. These torque actuators include a magnetic trigger and an FSMA member, which when actuated by the magnetic trigger, produces a torque for rotating a member. Examples of magnetic triggers include hybrid magnetic triggers having at least one electromagnet and at least one permanent magnet. The FSMA member can be configured as a coil (or plate) spring and can be fabricated of a true FSMA alloy (i. e. , an alloy that exhibits both ferromagnetic and shape memory properties) or of an FSMA composite that includes a ferromagnetic portion and an SMA portion. Several embodiments include a central orifice in which the FSMA member and an axial rod configured to rotate when actuated are disposed; the magnetic trigger system is disposed about the periphery of the orifice.

US Patent:

20070236314, Oct 11, 2007

Filed:

Sep 8, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/222022

Inventors:

Minoru Taya - Mercer Island WA, US
Victor Cheng - Chandler AZ, US
Harry Sugandi - Oakleigh, AU
Yuanchang Liang - Seattle WA, US
Hsiuhung Chen - Seattle WA, US
Chi-Yuan Wang - Seattle WA, US

Assignee:

University of Washington - Seattle WA

International Classification:

H01F 7/08

US Classification:

335220000

Abstract:

Linear actuators (also known as an inchworm actuator) including a magnetically actuatable shape memory alloy (SMA) are described. The linear actuators include a bar and an actuator assembly, configured to achieve a linear displacement of the actuator assembly relative to the bar. A hybrid magnetic trigger including an electromagnet and a permanent magnet is used to selectively attract the magnetically actuatable SMA toward the magnetic trigger. The motion of the magnetically actuatable SMA can be converted to a linear displacement. The magnetically actuatable SMA can be implemented using a SMA exhibiting both ferromagnetic and SMA properties, or by a ferromagnetic mass coupled with an SMA (i.e., a ferromagnetic SMA composite). Linear actuators including bars incorporating a ratchet mechanism, and featureless bars are described. A hydraulic system incorporating actuators including magnetically actuatable SMA membranes is also disclosed.