A labyrinth barrier is disclosed and comprises two or more members each defining respective vertical axes. One or more of the members are constructed at least in part of a shape memory material having a first energy state and a second energy state. The members are oriented relative to one another by their respective vertical axes in an original state to create a flow pathway that restricts fluid flow in a direction transverse to the respective vertical axes. The members are urged towards one another to further restrict the flow pathway when the shape memory material transitions from the first energy state to the second energy state.

Shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators and thermal management systems including the same. An SMA actuator includes an SMA lifting tube and a process fluid conduit configured to convey a process fluid through the SMA lifting tube. The SMA actuator assumes a conformation that is based on the temperature of the process fluid. The SMA lifting tube includes a first end and a second end configured to translate relative to the first end at least partially along a lateral direction. A thermal management system is configured to regulate a temperature of a process fluid. The thermal management system includes a heat exchanger that at least partially defines a heat transfer region, a process fluid conduit configured to convey the process fluid through the heat transfer region, and an actuator assembly including the SMA actuator. The actuator assembly is configured to selectively position the heat exchanger within a thermal management fluid flow.

A vehicle seat can be configured to provide support to a vehicle occupant in conditions when lateral acceleration is experienced. Shape memory material members can be operatively positioned with respect to a seat portion of the vehicle seat. The shape memory material members can be selectively activated by an activation input. When activated, the shape memory material members can engage a seat pan so as to cause the seat pan to tilt in a respective lateral direction. As a result, a seat cushion supported by the seat pan can also tilt in the respective lateral direction. The seat cushion can be tilted in a lateral direction that is opposite to the direction of the lateral acceleration. Thus, the effects of lateral acceleration felt by a seat occupant can be reduced. The shape memory material members can be selectively activated based on vehicle speed, steering angle, and/or lateral acceleration.

Shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators and thermal management systems including the same. An SMA actuator includes an SMA lifting tube and a process fluid conduit configured to convey a process fluid through the SMA lifting tube. The SMA actuator assumes a conformation that is based on the temperature of the process fluid. The SMA lifting tube includes a first end and a second end configured to translate relative to the first end at least partially along a lateral direction. A thermal management system is configured to regulate a temperature of a process fluid. The thermal management system includes a heat exchanger that at least partially defines a heat transfer region, a process fluid conduit configured to convey the process fluid through the heat transfer region, and an actuator assembly including the SMA actuator. The actuator assembly is configured to selectively position the heat exchanger within a thermal management fluid flow.

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide an apparatus. The apparatus includes a first hinge element configured to engage and secure to a fixed element; a second hinge element configured to engage and secure to a movable element and to pivot about an axis of rotation defined by a hinge pin passing through at least one bore of the first hinge element and at least one bore of the second hinge element; and a first shape memory alloy element disposed coaxially within a bore of the hinge pin; a first heating element disposed coaxially within the bore of the hinge pin and configured to heat the first shape memory alloy element, wherein the hinge pin includes a first flange configured to engage the first hinge element; and a second flange configured to engage the second hinge element.

A labyrinth barrier is disclosed and comprises two or more members each defining respective vertical axes. One or more of the members are constructed at least in part of a shape memory material having a first energy state and a second energy state. The members are oriented relative to one another by their respective vertical axes in an original state to create a flow pathway that restricts fluid flow in a direction transverse to the respective vertical axes. The members are urged towards one another to further restrict the flow pathway when the shape memory material transitions from the first energy state to the second energy state.

A plurality of shape memory alloy tubes (SMTs) of one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) types is configured as an element in a rotary actuator system in a nested manner. In various configurations, the nested SMTs provide one or more modes of multiplication (torque output or angular displacement), rotation reversibility and bias loading. The innovation provides for leveraging the modes for reductions in the rotary actuator system size, weight, or complexity or combinations thereof, or providing improved and more stable actuation capabilities in a given envelope.

A hinge-type actuator device in accordance with the present disclosure may include a first and second paddle, a first and second artificial muscle actuator segment, and a plurality of contacts, where the first and second artificial muscle actuator segments are actuated via the contacts, actuation of the first artificial muscle actuator segment causes the first and second paddle to open the hinge-type actuator, and actuation of the second artificial muscle actuator segment causes the first and second paddle to dose the hinge-type actuator.

An actuator includes a plurality of artificial muscle fibers and at least one conducting material. The at least one conducting material electrically stimulates the plurality of artificial muscle fibers during activation of the actuator. An actuator device includes at least one artificial muscle fiber and at least one high-strength creep-resistant fiber.

A scalable plurality of shape memory alloy (SMA) elements are configured to provide a continuous rotation actuator system. The plurality of SMA elements are coupled to a Ring Gear element, as well as to a Sun Gear element and a provision for thermal cycle return assist of the SMA elements. A plurality of Transmission elements provide for controlled rotary actuation in a desired direction with lock capability that provides for continuous rotary motion even as the SMA elements undergo reciprocating rotary action during their thermal cycling without running into system component rotation limits. The innovation distinguishes over other innovative approaches by way of at least the Ring Gear element, the manner of lock control, and the return assist element.