Title:
薄膜形状記憶合金アクチュエータ及びその製造方法
Document Type and Number:
Japanese Patent JP4364434
Kind Code:
B2
Abstract:
A shape memory alloy actuator array comprising a plurality of individually trained shape memory alloy actuators to provide relative movement of different actuator array portions and a thin-film heating element positioned adjacent at least one shape memory alloy actuator to thermally activate the actuator for movement away from its initial shape. A shape memory alloy medical device such as a catheter or a conduit is further provided comprising a lattice network or scaffolding of individually activated and oppositely trained shape memory alloy actuators set with a predetermined shape to provide a full range of directional movement within a body, and a network of thin-film heating elements to selectively activate a combination of actuators for movement or variable stiffness. A method of forming a shape memory alloy actuator array is also provided wherein a plurality of shape memory alloy actuators are formed by removing selected window portions from a single sheet of shape memory alloy along a series of spaced apart rows and columns before individual training with a predetermined shape. A thin-film network of addressable heating elements may further be deposited onto the sheet for selective activation of shape memory alloy actuators within the array.
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Inventors:
MAYNARD, Ronald, S.
Application Number:
JP2000549853A
Publication Date:
November 18, 2009
Filing Date:
May 10, 1999
Export Citation:
Assignee:
MAYNARD, Ronald, S.
International Classes:
F03G7/06; A61M25/00; A61M25/01
Domestic Patent References:
| JP5253172A | ||||
| JP3139326A | ||||
| JP6091582A | ||||
| JP6102933A |
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Yoichi Oshima