A release system for an evacuation slide assembly of an aircraft includes a first actuator and in various embodiments a second actuator. The first actuator and the second actuator each comprise an SMA spring configured to be electrically energized for actuating the first and second actuators in response to an evacuation event. In various embodiments, the first actuator is configured to release a blowout panel of the evacuation slide assembly in response to the first SMA spring being electrically energized. In various embodiments, the second actuator is configured to release a soft cover of the evacuation slide assembly in response to the second SMA spring being electrically energized.

A rotor for an electric motor includes a rotor core defining a first face, a second face, and an opening extending from the first face to the second face. The rotor also includes an output shaft received by the opening of the rotor core and a valve disposed within a passageway of the output shaft. The valve controls a flowrate of the coolant and is actuated into a fully opened position at a maximum operating temperature of the rotor. The valve includes a stem having a first end portion and a second end portion, a plug disposed at the first end portion of the stem, a valve seat disposed opposite to the plug, and a shape memory alloy actuator that expands to urge the stem of the valve and the plug away from the valve seat and into the fully opened position at the maximum operating temperature.

A valve includes a first inline compartment to attach to a first return line exiting a processing chamber and a second inline compartment to attach to a second return line entering a coolant source. A flow compartment is attached between the first inline compartment and the second inline compartment and through which a coolant is to return to the coolant source. A first inlet orifice and a second inlet orifice positioned between the first inline compartment and the flow compartment. A plunger has a tip to variably open and close the second inlet orifice. A shape memory alloy (SMA) spring is positioned on the plunger and attached to the tip, the SMA spring to variably increase or decrease a flow rate of the coolant through the second inlet orifice according to a temperature of the coolant.

A device disclosed herein includes an upper shape memory alloy (SMA) wire, a lower SMA wire, a flexure having an opening, and a spring configured within the flexure opening, wherein the lower SMA wire, and the flexure are attached at one end to an anchor and at another end to a pin.

A circuit arrangement to control at least one valve includes at least one actuator with at least one positioning element adjustable between at least one first position and a second position. At least one driver unit activates the actuator and a control unit operates the driver unit. At least one air mass measuring device measures an air mass flowing through the valve. The control unit processes an output signal of the air mass measuring device. Valves, valve arrangements, seat comfort systems, and methods all use such circuit arrangements.

A metal plate contains a shape memory alloy (e.g., a nitinol alloy) capable of exhibiting the one-way memory effect.

A deployment body for a sensor array includes at least one superelastic spring formed of a shape memory alloy (SMA) material that enables activation of the deployment body. The SMA spring is configured to expand from a stowed position in which the SMA spring is wound around a central hub of the deployment body to a deployed position in which the SMA spring is extended in a radially outward direction relative to the central hub. A stiffness of the SMA spring enables the SMA spring to hold cables of the sensor array and maintain a deployed shape of the sensor array, which may be a volumetric array. Using the SMA material is advantageous in that the material is tuned to maintain superelasticity based on at least one of an intended operating temperature and a desired expansion ratio of stowed to deployed diameter of the deployment body.

A release system for an evacuation slide assembly of an aircraft includes a first actuator and in various embodiments a second actuator. The first actuator and the second actuator each comprise an SMA spring configured to be electrically energized for actuating the first and second actuators in response to an evacuation event. In various embodiments, the first actuator is configured to release a blowout panel of the evacuation slide assembly in response to the first SMA spring being electrically energized. In various embodiments, the second actuator is configured to release a soft cover of the evacuation slide assembly in response to the second SMA spring being electrically energized.

SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.

A bypass system has a source of a fluid to be cooled and a heat exchanger for selectively cooling fluid. A piston is moveable along an axis allowing movement of a valve poppet toward and away from the valve seat. The piston moves with a rigid seal carrier. The rigid seal carrier and the piston move within a valve housing. A wax element is disposed on an opposed axial side of the rigid seal carrier relative to a chamber, such that the wax element expands as a temperature of the fluid to be cooled increases, and causes the valve poppet to move against the valve seat. A bypass valve is also disclosed.