Locking mechanisms and electronic devices having locking mechanisms are described herein. In one example, a locking mechanism includes a latch configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein a component of the electronic device is secured in the locked position and removable in the unlocked position. The locking mechanism further includes a memory wire in communication with the latch, wherein the memory wire is configured to contract in length to move the latch between the locked position and the unlocked position to release the component of the electronic device.

An example electronic security tag attachable to an item includes a tag body member, a connecting member having a pin portion releasably engageable with the tag body member, the pin portion extending along a first axis. The electronic security tag further includes a locking member to lock the connecting member to the tag body member. The locking member includes a clutch mechanism movable parallel to the first axis between a first position in contact with the pin portion and corresponding to a locked state and a second position corresponding to an unlocked state. The locking member further including a rotational drive member configured to rotate and interact with a plunger member of the clutch mechanism to move the clutch mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state.

An example electronic security tag attachable to an item includes a tag body member, a connecting member having a pin portion releasably engageable with the tag body member, the pin portion extending along a first axis. The electronic security tag further includes a locking member to lock the connecting member to the tag body member. The locking member includes a clutch mechanism movable along a second axis parallel to the first axis between a first position in contact with the pin portion and corresponding to a locked state and a second position corresponding to an unlocked state. The clutch mechanism including at least one member formed from a non-ferromagnetic material.

An electronic article surveillance tag with a locking member having a clutch mechanism including a plunger member formed from a non-ferromagnetic material. The tag further includes a tag body member and a releasably engageable pin portion of a connecting member, the pin portion extending along a first axis. The clutch mechanism is movable parallel to the first axis between a first position that engages the pin portion to define a locked state and a second position corresponding to an unlocked state that allows pin portion detachment. The tag further includes an unlocking member slidably engaged with the tag body member and clutch mechanism and moveable along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. Additionally, the tag may include an actuator connected to the unlocking member and configured to move the unlocking member from the locked position to the unlocked position.

An electronic article surveillance tag including a tag body member and a connecting member having a pin portion releasably engageable with the tag body member, wherein the pin portion extends along a first axis. The tag further includes a locking member having a clutch mechanism including a plunger member formed from a non-ferromagnetic material and an unlocking member connected to the clutch mechanism. The unlocking member is moveable along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein during movement between the locked position and the unlocked position, the unlocking member moves the clutch mechanism between the first position corresponding to the locked state and the second position corresponding to the unlocked state.

The present invention is inherent to a swing-type Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator (10) comprising a stationary frame (11) and a swingable part (12) that are coupled by means of a pivot (13) allowing the swing of the swingable part (12), two SMA wires (14, 14) being engaged to two connecting elements (15, 15) present respectively on a left and right portion of the swingable part (12) and vertically separated from the pivot (13), such that the activation of one of the SMA wires (14, 14) causes the swing of the swingable part (12) in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.

A lockable latching device includes a body defining a cavity and a plunger disposed within a cavity defined in the body. The plunger is translatable with respect to the body between an open position and a closed position. The lockable latching device also includes an annular rotator configured for rotating the plunger about a central longitudinal axis, and an annular latch transitionable between an unlocked state and a locked state. The lockable latching device further includes first and second elements. The lockable latching device also includes a force transmission mechanism operably connected to the first element, the second element, and the annular latch, with the force transmission mechanism configured to transition the annular latch from the unlocked state to the locked state in response to a first activation signal, and to transition the annular latch from the locked state to the unlocked state in response to a second activation signal.

A vehicle includes a compartment mounted to a frame of the vehicle. The compartment includes a box coupled to the frame in a fixed position relative to the frame and a latch system coupled to the box to allow a user to access the box. The latch system includes a shape-memory alloy wire guided by a pulley during actuation of the latch system.

A vehicle includes a compartment mounted to a frame of the vehicle. The compartment includes a box coupled to a vehicle in a fixed position relative to the vehicle and a latch system coupled to the glove to allow a user access to the box. The latch system includes a shape-memory alloy wire and a spring that are used during actuation of the latch system.

A security tag includes a tag body member, a connecting member releasably engageable with the tag body member, and a locking member having a locked position in a first thermal state configured to lock the connecting member to the tag body member, and having an unlocked position in a second thermal state configured to unlock the connecting member from the tag body member. The locking member includes a locking body comprising a shape memory alloy, and a clamping member connected to the shape memory alloy. A transition of the shape memory alloy element from the first thermal state to the second thermal state moves the clamping member from the locked position to the unlocked position, thereby enabling the connecting member to be detached from the tag body member.