Tri-strip memory metal actuator

摘要

A tri-strip memory metal actuator is disclosed using first and second oppositely arcuate strips of electrically conductive or semiconductive memory metal, each bound respectively to opposite sides of a straight central strip of electrically conductive material to form, when current is applied therethrough, a Peltier junction causing one of the arcuate strips to heat and return to its memory metal state while the other of the arcuate strips cools and bends along with the central strip to the arcuate shape of the heated strip which bending is reversible when current is applied in the opposite direction and which actuator, if no current is applied, is maintained in the straight position of the central strip.