Low energy memory metal actuated latch

Details Low energy memory metal actuated latch Low energy memory metal actuated latch

1995-02-01

1997-05-13

Donovan, Lincoln

Electricity: electrothermally or thermally actuated switches

Electrothermally actuated switches

With bimetallic elements

337 47, H01H 6100

Patent

active

056296622

ABSTRACT:
A low energy electromechanical interface for a circuit breaker, magnetic latch, shunt trip device, undervoltage relay, contactor, or other electric switch utilizes a memory wire to initiate the tripping of the circuit breaker. The memory wire is mechanically coupled to a latch which captures a plunger in a biased state. When the memory wire receives energy such as heat or an electric signal, the memory wire contracts and causes the latch to release a spring loaded plunger. When the plunger is released, the plunger engages a trip bar and trips the electric switch. Preferably, the memory metal wire is a nickel-titanium wire. The low cost electromechanical interface may replace more expensive solenoid and magnetic latch devices. The interface may be advantageously retrofitted into existing circuit breaker and switch designs.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3821607 (1974-06-01), Lange et al.
patent: 4166993 (1979-09-01), Krasser
patent: 4814737 (1989-03-01), Ebnet
patent: 5151674 (1992-09-01), Flohr
F&M Feinwerktechnik Mikrotechnik Messtechnik, vol. 102, No. 1/02. Jan. 1, 1994, pp. 35-37, D. Voss, "Formegdachtnis Legierungen, Einsatzmoglichkeiten In Der Aktorik Shape Memorizing Alloys. Applications In Actorics".
European Search Report for EP 96 00705.

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