Abstract

SM-based actuatorsand release mechanisms therefrom and systems including one or more relsase mechanisms. The actuators comprise a SM member and a deformable member mechanically coupled to the SM member which deforms upon a shape change of the SM member triggered by a phase transition of the SM member. A retaining element is mechanically coupled to the deformable member, wherein the retaining element moves upon the shape change. Release mechanism include an actuator, a rotatable mechanism including at least one restraining feature for restraining rotational movement of the retaining element before the shape change, and at least one spring that provide at least one locked spring-loaded position when the retaining element is in the restraining feature and at least one released position that is reached when the retaining element is in a position beyond the the restraining feature. The rotatable mechanism includes at least one load-bearing protrusion. A hitch is for mechanically coupling to the load bearing protrusion when the rotatable mechanism is in the locked spring-loaded position.

Document Type

Patent

Patent Number

US 8,209,976 B2

Application Serial Number

12/323,091

Issue Date

7-3-2012

Current Assignee

UCFRF

Assignee at Issuance

UCFRF

College

Advanced Materials Processing & Analysis Center (AMPAC)

Department

Advanced Materials Processing & Analysis Center (AMPAC)

Allowance Date

3-27-2012

Filing Date

11-25-2008

Assignee at Filing

UCFRF

Filing Type

Nonprovisional Application Record

Donated

no

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