Shape memory alloy disc vent cover release

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10254097-B2
Application number	US-201514687693-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Apr 15, 2015
Priority date	Apr 15, 2015
Publication date	Apr 9, 2019
Grant date	Apr 9, 2019

Abstract

A release mechanism includes a frame with an interior. The release mechanism also includes a prestrained element coupled to the interior of the frame. The prestrained element creates a seal with the frame. The prestrained element is notched in one or more regions. The prestrained element is configured to fracture when heated to a predetermined temperature allowing the interior to open. The fracture is based on the notched regions of the prestrained element such that separation initiates within the notched regions. The remaining regions of the prestrained element unfractured. The shape memory alloy element can include one or more of a nickel-titanium alloy, a titanium-nickel alloy, a copper-zinc-aluminum alloy, a copper aluminum nickel alloy, and a nickel titanium hafnium alloy. Heating of the shape memory alloy element causes a stress in the shape memory alloy that causes fracturing of the prestrained alloy when sufficient heating has been achieved.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A release mechanism comprising:
a frame with an interior; and
a prestrained element coupled to the frame, the prestrained element filling the interior of the frame, and wherein the prestrained element is notched in one or more regions,
wherein the prestrained element is configured to fracture when heated to a predetermined temperature allowing the interior to open, and
wherein the fracture is based on the one or more regions of the prestrained element such that separation initiates within the one or more regions.

2. The release mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the prestrained element comprises a shape memory alloy element.

3. The release mechanism of claim 2 , wherein the shape memory alloy element comprises one or more of: a nickel-titanium alloy, a titanium-nickel alloy, a copper-zinc-aluminum alloy, a copper-aluminum: nickel alloy, and a nickel-titanium-hafnium alloy.

4. The release mechanism of claim 2 , wherein heating of the shape memory alloy element causes a stress in the shape memory alloy element that causes fracturing of the shape memory alloy element when sufficient heating has been achieved.

5. The release mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the prestrained element is notched in the one or more regions to form a weakened portion where the prestrained element preferentially fractures.

6. The release mechanism of claim 5 , wherein the prestrained element is notched in the one or more regions by one or more indentations providing a reduced cross section to the weakened portion.

7. The release mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the prestrained element is configured to fracture when pressurized to a predetermined pressure allowing the interior to open.

8. The release mechanism of claim 1 , wherein:
the frame is configured to be coupled to or forms a part of a container; and
the interior of the frame forms a vent for the container.

9. The release mechanism of claim 1 , further comprising:
a counter-reaction disc coupled to the prestrained element by a connecting member, the connecting member configured to cause a center of the prestrained element to be fixed.

10. The release mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the prestrained element is not fully separable from the frame.

11. The release mechanism of claim 1 , wherein a direction of the prestrained element is one of unidirectional, bi-directional, and omnidirectional.

12. A system comprising:
a structure configured to retain a material; and
a venting disc configured to contain the material within the structure, wherein the venting disc comprises:
a frame with an interior;
a prestrained element coupled to the frame and filling the interior of the frame,
a counter-reaction disc, and
a connecting member configured to mechanically couple the prestrained element to the counter-reaction disc,

wherein the prestrained element is configured to fracture when heated to a predetermined temperature allowing the interior to open.

13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the prestrained element comprises a shape memory alloy element.

14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the shape memory alloy element comprises one or more of: a nickel-titanium alloy, a titanium-nickel alloy, a copper-zinc-aluminum alloy, a copper-aluminum-nickel alloy, and a nickel-titanium-hafnium alloy.

15. The system of claim 13 , wherein heating of the shape memory alloy element causes a stress in the shape memory alloy element that causes fracturing of the shape memory alloy element when sufficient heating has been achieved.

16. The system of claim 12 , wherein the prestrained element is notched in the one or more regions to form a weakened portion where the prestrained element preferentially fractures.

17. The system of claim 16 , wherein the prestrained element is notched in the one or more regions by one or more indentations providing a reduced cross section to the weakened portion.

18. A method comprising:
exposing a release mechanism to an ambient environment, wherein the release mechanism comprises a frame and a prestrained element, wherein the prestrained element fills an interior of the frame; and
fracturing the prestrained element when exposed to an elevated temperature to allow the interior of the frame to open.

19. The method of claim 18 , further comprising:
triggering a safety mechanism in response to the fracturing of the prestrained element.

20. The method of claim 19 , wherein triggering the safety mechanism comprises at least partially opening the prestrained element of the release mechanism to thereby vent an interior compartment within a structure.

Assignees

• Raytheon Co

Inventors

• Lyman Ward D
• Koehler Frederick B

Classifications

• F42B39/20 Primary

  Packages or ammunition having valves for pressure-equalising; Packages or ammunition having plugs for pressure release, e.g. meltable {; Blow-out panels; Venting arrangements (ventilating arrangements on packages formed from foldable or erectable blanks B65D5/4295; packages with pressure-relief valves incorporated in a container wall B65D77/225)} · CPC title

• F42B39/14 Primary

  Explosion or fire protection arrangements on packages or ammunition (F42B39/20 {and F42B39/24} take precedence; {wall or panel structure of fireproof safes or storage containers E05G1/024}) · CPC title