A microfluidic device, including a matrix array of controllable shape-changing micropillars where a shape of the shape-changing micropillars is changed by a fluid.

A method and apparatus for attaching a bundle of wiring harnesses, air lines, hoses, tubes, cables, fuel lines, and the like to the frame or body of a vehicle or other machine uses a clipping device with a bi-stable flat spring having two states, a metastable flat state and a stable coiled state. The clipping device is preassembled to the vehicle or other machine with the bi-stable flat spring in its flat metastable state using a mounting feature. The bundle is pressed against the bi-stable flat spring, causing it to transition from the flat state to the coiled state, thereby encircling and retaining the bundle to the vehicle. The clipping device may be provided with a secondary locking feature and/or an initial flat state retaining feature.

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.

A release apparatus includes a base member and a channel having a first portion and a second portion. A first rod positioned within the first portion includes a first end portion having a first coupling device and a second end portion coupled to a first portion of a panel assembly. A second rod positioned within the channel's second portion includes a first end portion having a second coupling device such that the second coupling device is positioned proximate to the first coupling device. The second rod includes a second end portion coupled to a second portion of the panel assembly. First and second coupling devices rotate such that a linear force is generated between the first and second rods, enabling the first rod second end portion and the second rod second end portion to simultaneously release the first and second portions of the panel assembly, respectively.

A locking mechanism assembly can include a locking member that can move between a retracted position and a deployed position. A first spring is coupled to a proximal portion of the locking member and exerts a force on the locking member in the proximal direction toward the retracted position. A second spring is coupled to the locking member and exerts a force on the locking member in a distal direction toward the deployed position, opposite to the direction of force exerted by the first spring. One of the first and second springs includes a shape memory material that moves to a pre-deformed state when exposed to heat, thereby increasing in tension such that the force it exerts on the locking member exceeds the force exerted on the locking member by the other of the first and second springs, causing the locking member to move to the retracted or deployed position.

A hybrid fluid-flow assembly having a base fitting that has been formed by axial load bulge forming from a sheet of metal, and a custom fitting that has been machined from a shaped-memory alloy. The input port of the custom fitting is connected to the output port of the base fitting by an interference fit. The interference fit may be formed by cooling the custom fitting to a temperature below its transition temperature, deforming the custom fitting so that the diameter of an inlet port is slightly larger than an output port on the base fitting, installing the input port of the custom fitting on the output port of the base fitting, and allowing the custom fitting to warm to room temperature. The shaped-memory alloy swages and coins the outer surface of the base fitting at the interface of the ports, thereby forming a compressive, interference fit.

A nut runner apparatus for screw-coupling a nut to a bolt, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, includes a nut socket into which the nut is removably inserted, a heating device that heats the nut to thermally expand the nut, an actuating device that rotates the nut socket to screw-couple the nut thermally expanded by the heating device to the bolt, and a cooling device that cools the nut screw-coupled to the bolt to thermally contract the nut.

A first apparatus includes an electrical connector with an outer shell and an inner wafer, where the inner wafer is configured to slide into a cavity of the outer shell. The first apparatus further includes a shape-memory alloy coupled to a void in the outer shell and configured to interfere with an area on the inner wafer. A second apparatus includes an OTS connector with an outer shell and an inner wafer, where the inner wafer is configured to slide into a cavity of the outer shell. The second apparatus further includes a plurality of SMT leads of the inner wafer configured to mount onto a plurality of landing pads on a PCBA. The second apparatus includes a shape-memory alloy coupled to a void in the outer shell and configured to interfere with the inner wafer preventing movement of the inner wafer within the outer shell of OTS connector.

A quick connection and/or fastening system suited to mutually connect and disconnect a first and a second element is disclosed, the system including a first and a second component that are suited to be rigidly fixed to the first and second elements, respectively, the first component and the second component being also suited to be mutually connected and disconnected, the second component being suited to house an end portion of the first component in such a way as to allow its translation inside the second component, the second component comprising also counteracting elements suited to counteract the translation of the end portion of the first component towards the outside of the second component.

A microfluidic device, including a matrix array of controllable shape-changing micropillars where a shape of the shape-changing micropillars is changed by a fluid.