Single Motion Actuated Shape Memory Alloy Coupling

摘要

The objective of the single-motion-actuated-shape-memory-alloy coupling (SMA~2C) is to produce a small, single motion actuator used to secure and then release the solar panels on a CubeSat, or other very small satellite, upon command. The SMA~2C consists of a nickel titanium (NiTi) cylindrical shape memory alloy (SMA) press-fit into a stainless steel bushing, surrounded by a Kapton foil heater, a spring, a holding bolt, and a polyethermide isolation washer all in a structural housing. Heating the SMA above its activation temperature causes it to contract, permitting the spring to push the SMA, and therefore the holding bolt, out of the stainless steel bushing. This releases whatever the holding bolt is attached to from the CubeSat structure.