US3652969A - Method and apparatus for stabilizing and employing temperature sensitive materials exhibiting martensitic transitions - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for stabilizing and employing temperature sensitive materials exhibiting martensitic transitions Download PDF

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US3652969A
US3652969A US828243A US3652969DA US3652969A US 3652969 A US3652969 A US 3652969A US 828243 A US828243 A US 828243A US 3652969D A US3652969D A US 3652969DA US 3652969 A US3652969 A US 3652969A
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temperature
load
recited
temperature sensitive
sensing means
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James R Willson
Donald W Carey
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Robertshaw Controls Co
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    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03GSPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G7/00Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
    • F03G7/06Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22FCHANGING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF NON-FERROUS METALS AND NON-FERROUS ALLOYS
    • C22F1/00Changing the physical structure of non-ferrous metals or alloys by heat treatment or by hot or cold working
    • C22F1/006Resulting in heat recoverable alloys with a memory effect
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H37/00Thermally-actuated switches
    • H01H37/02Details
    • H01H37/32Thermally-sensitive members
    • H01H37/323Thermally-sensitive members making use of shape memory materials
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H61/00Electrothermal relays
    • H01H61/01Details
    • H01H61/0107Details making use of shape memory materials

Definitions

  • the method includes subjecting the martensitie-transition material to a greater unit stress than the material would be required to work against in its application to thereby stretch the material beyond its expected deflection, and subsequently completing a number of temperature cycles while the material is in such overstressed condition, through which it is heated to a point above its transition temperature and cooled back to its annealed temperature. After treatment the material operates through complete work cycles with no loss of dimension stability.
  • the apparatus defines a temperature sensitive switch including a load to apply an increased stress to the material during the initial stabilization temperature-cycling period and a reduced work-load stress during periods of in-service operation.
  • FIG. 1 A first figure.
  • the present invention relates generally to the stabilization of temperature sensitive materials and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for stabilizing temperature sensitive materials exhibiting martensitic transitions for use in control and work performing devices.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a stabilized thermo-mechanical conversion element having a closed temperature-deflection loop.
  • This invention has the further object in the provision of a control device having improved operational characteristics.
  • An additional object of the present invention is the provision of a work performing device having stabilization means integrally incorporated therein.
  • An advantage of the invention is the provision of a simple and efficient temperature sensing control device.
  • An additional advantage of the present invention is the provision of a stabilizing process and apparatus permitting the use of materials heretofore impractical for performing control and work functions where closed-loop temperature-deflection cycles are contemplated.
  • a method for stabilizing a temperature sensitive material exhibiting a martensitic transition at a critical temperature to perform work upon a load having a particular value includes the steps of applying a force to the material having a value greater than the particular value of the load, and temperature-cycling the material through the critical temperature in a positive and then a negative direction repetitively in succession to complete a plurality of complete cycles.
  • the present invention includes apparatus for stabilizing and utilizing such a temperature sensitive material as a control or work performing device.
  • FIG. 1 shows a stabilizing apparatus for stabilizing a temperature sensitive material for subsequent use in a control device
  • FIG. 2 shows a temperature sensing control device utilizing a pre-stabilized thermal sensor
  • FIG. 3 shows a temperature sensing control device including an integral stabilizing means
  • FIG. 4 shows a stabilization temperature-elongation curve for the material to be used in the apparatus of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3;
  • FIG. 5 shows the closed-loop temperature-elongation curves produced after stabilization by the method and apparatus of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown a simplified apparatus operating according to the method of the present invention to pre-stabilize a thermally sensitive material exhibiting a martensitic transition at a critical temperature for subsequent cyclic use in control devices.
  • the structure consists of a cantilevered beam 10 mounted to wall 12 so as to support a load 14 for vertical movement, as shown by the arrow.
  • the load is hung from the beam 10 by a single drawn piece of martensitic transition type wire 16 firmly attached by connectors 18.
  • a radiant heat source 20, the temperature of which can be manually adjusted, is located adjacent the wire 16 within heating proximity thereto.
  • the thermal sensor 16 may be shaped and mounted in any number of various ways, for example, as a cantilevered beam or a coiled spring, depending upon the operational characteristics desired and the contemplated application of the heat sensing material.
  • FIG. 4 shows a curve illustrating the elongation characteristics of a nickel-titanium wire cycled through its critical temperature a number of times.
  • the apparatus of FIG. I can be utilized to produce the above-mentioned curves, and, in one experiment, a load of 40,000 pounds per square inch was employed.
  • T the load applied to the nickeltitanium wire produces an elongation, measured vertically, of value E
  • the material follows segment A, of the curve which illustrates the rapid increase of elongation produced by the load when the material passes through its critical temperature.
  • the material follows segment A which shows how the alloy tends to return to its original position.
  • the nickel-titanium alloy wire when utilized in the apparatus of FIG. I will exhibit martensitic transitions during temperaturecycling through its critical temperature but at the end of each cycle will not return precisely to its starting point.
  • the wire which was temperaturestabilized at 40,000 pounds per square inch, is temperaturecycled with a reduced load of 20,000 pounds per square inch, for example, the curves illustrated in FIG. 5 will be produced. As can be seen, the curves form closed-loops since the elongation of the wire at the end of each cycle is precisely the same as at the beginning thereof.
  • FIG. 2 wherein similar numerals are used to refer to similar components utilized in FIG. 1, there is illustrated an electrical single-pole double-throw temperature sensitive switch 22.
  • the device employs a temperature sensitive element 16 which has been previously temperature stabilized by cycling at an increased load in apparatus of the type shown in FIG. l.
  • the mid-point of the wire is coupled to the moveable bar 24, which forms the switchable contact of the electrical switch.
  • the bar 24 is in turn connected to a spring load 26 which is less than the load 14 utilized during the pre-stabilizing temperature-cycling process performed by the apparatus of FIG. I. This assures accurate closed-loop operation as explained with reference to FIG. 5.
  • the two fixed contacts 28 and 30 of the switch 22 are shown affixed to a base or frame member 32.
  • radiant heat source 20 schematically illustrates the radiant ambient heat produced by the room or area in which the thermostat is mounted and for which the thermostat is designed to monitor.
  • the wire is allowed to be stretched by load spring 26 which then moves bar 24 away from contact 28 toward contact 30 completing an electrical current path from contact 30 to the contact on bar 24 to thereby initiate operation of the heating unit used (not shown).
  • the temperature sensing wire 16 returns to its initial position, due to its inherent shape-memory, against the force produced by spring 26 to thereby move bar 24 away from contact 30 back to its original position in physical contact with contact point 28.
  • the device will continue to cycle indefinitely in the same manner, the wire sensing material 16 remaining in its stabilized condition. having once been pre-stabilized according to the principles of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 there is shown a more refined switching apparatus combining the desired operational characteristics of the alloy under present discussion with the stabilization process of the present invention.
  • an unstabilized nickeltitanium wire, or the like can be immediately installed in place as element 16 without requiring pre-cycling in a separate unit.
  • the switch shown in FIG. 3 is basically similar to the unit in FIG. 2 with the exception of a threadably engageable load 34 attached to the lower end of spring 26.
  • an unstabilized sensor wire 16 is placed in the switch as shown and the load 34 is threadably removed from its mounting bore 36 in frame 32, as illustrated.
  • contact 30 is bent slightly to the dotted position shown in FIG. 3 during this stabilization period.
  • a controllable electrical power source 38 is shown coupled to the wire whereupon heat will be internally generated therein at the desired times.
  • the unit is then temperature-cycled through a number of complete cycles, as typified by the curves of FIG. 4.
  • load 34 is threadably mounted to frame 32 and the contact end of contact 30 is bent back to its operative position, whereupon a decreased force will be applied to the element 16 which then will provide closed-loop operation as exemplified by the curves of FIG. 5.
  • radiant heat source 20 and electrical power supply 38 are both provided to apply heat to the temperature sensitive nickel-titanium element 16; however, other diverse heat sources can be utilized depending upon the particular installation.
  • An accurate temperature responsive control device comprising:
  • moveable control means coupled to said temperature sensing means for performing a control function in response to actuation by said temperature sensing means
  • said temperature sensing means being a temperature sensitive material exhibiting a martensitic transition at a critical temperature, which has been deformed by a force greater than the particular value of said load means and subsequently temperature-cycled through said critical temperature in a positive and then a negative direction repetitively in succession to complete a plurality of complete cycles, heating of said material above its critical temperature thereafter moving said temperature sensitive means from its rest position resulting in movement of said control means to effectuate said control function, and cooling of said material below its critical temperature thereafter allowing said temperature sensitive means to return precisely to its rest position under the influence of said load means.
  • thermosensitive material comprises an alloy comprising 53.5-56.5 percent nickel by weight, the remainder being essentially titanium.
  • thermosensitive material comprises an alloy comprising 55 percent nickel by weight, the remainder being essentially titani- 5.
  • control function comprises electrical switching.
  • An accurate temperature responsive control device comprising:
  • means for sensing temperature comprising a temperature sensitive material exhibiting a martensitic transition at a critical temperature
  • thermosensitive material comprises an alloy comprising 53.5-56.5 percent nickel by weight, the remainder being essentially titanium.
  • thermosensitive material comprises an alloy comprising 55 percent nickel by weight, the remainder being essentially titani- 10.
  • control function comprises electrical switching.

Abstract

A method and apparatus for stabilizing and employing temperature sensitive material exhibiting martensitic transitions for use in control and work performing devices. The method includes subjecting the martensitic-transition material to a greater unit stress than the material would be required to work against in its application to thereby stretch the material beyond its expected deflection, and subsequently completing a number of temperature cycles while the material is in such overstressed condition, through which it is heated to a point above its transition temperature and cooled back to its annealed temperature. After treatment the material operates through complete work cycles with no loss of dimension stability. In one embodiment, the apparatus defines a temperature sensitive switch including a load to apply an increased stress to the material during the initial stabilization temperature-cycling period and a reduced work-load stress during periods of in-service operation.

Description

United States Patent Willson et al.
[451 Mar. 28, 1972 [54] METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STABILIZING AND EMPLOYING TEMPERATURE SENSITIVE MATERIALS EXHIBITING MARTENSITIC TRANSITIONS Inventors:
Assignee:
Filed:
Appl. No.:
U;S.Cl
Int.Cl.
James R. Wlllson, Garden Grove; Donald W. Carey, Anaheim, both of Calif.
Robertshaw Controls Richmond, Va.
May 27, 1969 Company,
...................... ..337/l40, 148/115, 337/393 ..C2ld HOlh 37/50, HOlh 71/18 Field of Search ..337/l23, 140, 382, 393;
References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Cooper ..337/393 X Buehler et al..... Flanagan ..337/382 UX 3,174,851 3/1965 Buehler etal ..337/382 UX Primary Examiner-Bernard A. Gilheany Assistant Examiner-Dewitt M. Morgan Attorney-Auzville Jackson, Jr., Robert L. Marben and Anthony A. OBrien [5 7] ABSTRACT A method and apparatus for stabilizing and employing temperature sensitive material exhibiting martensitic transitions for use in control and work performing devices. The method includes subjecting the martensitie-transition material to a greater unit stress than the material would be required to work against in its application to thereby stretch the material beyond its expected deflection, and subsequently completing a number of temperature cycles while the material is in such overstressed condition, through which it is heated to a point above its transition temperature and cooled back to its annealed temperature. After treatment the material operates through complete work cycles with no loss of dimension stability. In one embodiment, the apparatus defines a temperature sensitive switch including a load to apply an increased stress to the material during the initial stabilization temperature-cycling period and a reduced work-load stress during periods of in-service operation.
10 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEU m 28 I972 SHEEI 1 BF 2 FIG. 2
FIG.
HEAT SOURCE 1 LOAD l4 FIG. 3
. INVENTORS, James R. Willson Donald W. Corey ATTORNEY PATENTEDMAR28 r972 TEMPERATURE TEMPERATURE SHEET 2 BF 2 FIG. 4
k MK 2 ELONGATION FIG. 5
ELONGATION INVENTORS,
James R. Willson Donald W. Corey BYjfii 6 W. E
ATTORNEY METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STABILIZING AND EMPLOYING TEMPERATURE SENSITIVE MATERIALS EXI-IIBITING MARTENSITIC TRANSITIONS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the stabilization of temperature sensitive materials and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for stabilizing temperature sensitive materials exhibiting martensitic transitions for use in control and work performing devices.
Many diversified applications in the systems control art, to mention but one, require a simple, yet efficient heat sensitive element for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy. One of the most obvious applications for such an element is the conventional thermostat used extensively in the control of home and office heating and cooling systems as well as a number of small home appliances. Heretofore, what was considered to be the most effective element for the direct conversion of heat into mechanical energy was the bimetallic couple wherein two metals having dissimilar degrees of thermal expansion are bonded together. While such devices have generally served the purpose, they have not proven entirely satisfactory under all conditions of operation. Some of the more obvious reasons for these limitations are the limited mechanical deflection per degree temperature change, the inefficient thermo-mechanical energy conversion, and the difficulty of manufacture and standardization.
With recent developments in metallurgy, specifically in the study of thermally sensitive materials which exhibit martensitic transitions, research efforts have been directed toward seeking a better thermo-mechanical conversion element. At this point, while a detailed theoretical explanation of martensitic transition type materials is unnecessary for the purpose of disclosing the present invention, a brief discussion thereof will be described for the sake of clarity. Certain nickel-titanium alloys. for example, containing approximately 53.5-56.5 percent nickel with the remainder being essentially titanium, have been found to undergo a temperature dependent martensitic transition at a particular critical temperature, this temperature being a function of the alloy composition. This transition is produced by applying a load to the material which is sufficiently great to produce a greater deflection below its critical temperature than would normally be expected. The structural deformation this produced causes a molecular change which is accompanied by the liberation of heat. Graphically it has been found that such a structural transition follows a curve of decreasing modulus of elasticity as well as a curve of decreasing modulus of torsion as the temperature decreases. If the material under stress is now heated to a point above its critical temperature, it will move in a direction opposite to the direction in which it has been deformed with the capability to perform useful work. It is important to note, however, that the curves of increasing modulus of elasticity and torsion with increasing temperature are different than the curves observed during the decreasing temperature transition; and, more importantly, the cyclic transition produces certain changes in the physical properties of the material which cause it to take a set after each cycle preventing it from returning precisely to its original position. This periodically increasing offset has, heretofore, proven to be a major inhibiting factor in the development of an acceptable commercial device using a thermo-mechanical element of the type discussed above in the place of the conventional bimetallic element.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for stabilizing temperature sensitive materials exhibiting martensitic transitions for use in control devices.
Another object of this invention is to provide a stabilized thermo-mechanical conversion element having a closed temperature-deflection loop.
This invention has the further object in the provision of a control device having improved operational characteristics.
An additional object of the present invention is the provision of a work performing device having stabilization means integrally incorporated therein.
An advantage of the invention is the provision of a simple and efficient temperature sensing control device.
An additional advantage of the present invention is the provision of a stabilizing process and apparatus permitting the use of materials heretofore impractical for performing control and work functions where closed-loop temperature-deflection cycles are contemplated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is summarized in that a method for stabilizing a temperature sensitive material exhibiting a martensitic transition at a critical temperature to perform work upon a load having a particular value includes the steps of applying a force to the material having a value greater than the particular value of the load, and temperature-cycling the material through the critical temperature in a positive and then a negative direction repetitively in succession to complete a plurality of complete cycles.
In addition, the present invention includes apparatus for stabilizing and utilizing such a temperature sensitive material as a control or work performing device.
The inventive concept as well as other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a stabilizing apparatus for stabilizing a temperature sensitive material for subsequent use in a control device;
FIG. 2 shows a temperature sensing control device utilizing a pre-stabilized thermal sensor;
FIG. 3 shows a temperature sensing control device including an integral stabilizing means;
FIG. 4 shows a stabilization temperature-elongation curve for the material to be used in the apparatus of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3; and
FIG. 5 shows the closed-loop temperature-elongation curves produced after stabilization by the method and apparatus of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a simplified apparatus operating according to the method of the present invention to pre-stabilize a thermally sensitive material exhibiting a martensitic transition at a critical temperature for subsequent cyclic use in control devices. The structure consists of a cantilevered beam 10 mounted to wall 12 so as to support a load 14 for vertical movement, as shown by the arrow. The load is hung from the beam 10 by a single drawn piece of martensitic transition type wire 16 firmly attached by connectors 18. A radiant heat source 20, the temperature of which can be manually adjusted, is located adjacent the wire 16 within heating proximity thereto.
Before going into the details of operation of the device, it is important to note first that other suitable heat sources may be employed such as direct internal heating by a current flowing therethrough, or the like; and second, the thermal sensor 16 may be shaped and mounted in any number of various ways, for example, as a cantilevered beam or a coiled spring, depending upon the operational characteristics desired and the contemplated application of the heat sensing material.
In describing the operation of the device of FIG. 1, reference will be made to the curves illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. It is further pointed out that the description, below, of the operation of the device of FIG. 1 will serve also to outline the method of the present invention.
FIG. 4 shows a curve illustrating the elongation characteristics of a nickel-titanium wire cycled through its critical temperature a number of times. The apparatus of FIG. I can be utilized to produce the above-mentioned curves, and, in one experiment, a load of 40,000 pounds per square inch was employed. At temperature T, the load applied to the nickeltitanium wire produces an elongation, measured vertically, of value E As the temperature produced by source 20 is decreased, the material follows segment A, of the curve which illustrates the rapid increase of elongation produced by the load when the material passes through its critical temperature. As the temperature is then increased through the critical temperature in a positive going direction, the material follows segment A which shows how the alloy tends to return to its original position. This characteristic shape-memory action exhibited by materials such as nickel-titanium is primarily due to the aforementioned martensitic transitions which take place at the critical temperature. As explained above, due to certain molecular changes which take place in the structure of the material when temperature-cycled under load, the material does not return precisely to its original elongation E, but decreases only to point E As the material is temperature-cycled again through its critical temperature, segments B and B of the curve are followed showing a further offset since elongation point E is the shortest length the material will then reach. Additional cycle C,-C produces similar results, as expected.
Thus, with a load of 40,000 pounds per square inch, the nickel-titanium alloy wire when utilized in the apparatus of FIG. I will exhibit martensitic transitions during temperaturecycling through its critical temperature but at the end of each cycle will not return precisely to its starting point. If, according to the present invention, the wire, which was temperaturestabilized at 40,000 pounds per square inch, is temperaturecycled with a reduced load of 20,000 pounds per square inch, for example, the curves illustrated in FIG. 5 will be produced. As can be seen, the curves form closed-loops since the elongation of the wire at the end of each cycle is precisely the same as at the beginning thereof. Thus, by temperature-cycling a temperature sensitive alloy of the type referred to above at a load greater than the load to be utilized in the contemplated control device, the material becomes cyclically stabilized and exhibits closed-loop operation required in most heat sensing electrical and mechanical control units.
Referring now to FIG. 2, wherein similar numerals are used to refer to similar components utilized in FIG. 1, there is illustrated an electrical single-pole double-throw temperature sensitive switch 22. The device employs a temperature sensitive element 16 which has been previously temperature stabilized by cycling at an increased load in apparatus of the type shown in FIG. l. The mid-point of the wire is coupled to the moveable bar 24, which forms the switchable contact of the electrical switch. The bar 24 is in turn connected to a spring load 26 which is less than the load 14 utilized during the pre-stabilizing temperature-cycling process performed by the apparatus of FIG. I. This assures accurate closed-loop operation as explained with reference to FIG. 5. The two fixed contacts 28 and 30 of the switch 22 are shown affixed to a base or frame member 32.
One typical application of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is a conventional thermostat for a home or office heating system. In this application, radiant heat source 20 schematically illustrates the radiant ambient heat produced by the room or area in which the thermostat is mounted and for which the thermostat is designed to monitor. As the temperature of the room decreases below the critical temperature of the wire sensor 16, thereby indicating a need for heat, the wire is allowed to be stretched by load spring 26 which then moves bar 24 away from contact 28 toward contact 30 completing an electrical current path from contact 30 to the contact on bar 24 to thereby initiate operation of the heating unit used (not shown). Furthermore, as the temperature of the room subsequently increases, the temperature sensing wire 16 returns to its initial position, due to its inherent shape-memory, against the force produced by spring 26 to thereby move bar 24 away from contact 30 back to its original position in physical contact with contact point 28. As the temperature of the room fluctuates, the device will continue to cycle indefinitely in the same manner, the wire sensing material 16 remaining in its stabilized condition. having once been pre-stabilized according to the principles of the present invention.
In FIG. 3, there is shown a more refined switching apparatus combining the desired operational characteristics of the alloy under present discussion with the stabilization process of the present invention. With this apparatus, an unstabilized nickeltitanium wire, or the like, can be immediately installed in place as element 16 without requiring pre-cycling in a separate unit. The switch shown in FIG. 3 is basically similar to the unit in FIG. 2 with the exception of a threadably engageable load 34 attached to the lower end of spring 26. In operation an unstabilized sensor wire 16 is placed in the switch as shown and the load 34 is threadably removed from its mounting bore 36 in frame 32, as illustrated. In addition, since the additional load will cause a greater than normal elongation, contact 30 is bent slightly to the dotted position shown in FIG. 3 during this stabilization period. Since load 34 is now applying an additional force to the wire 16 over that applied by spring 26 above, the device is ready for pre-cycling to stabilize the wire sensor for subsequent closed-loop operation without the additional load 34. To accomplish the pre-cycling heating of element 16, a controllable electrical power source 38 is shown coupled to the wire whereupon heat will be internally generated therein at the desired times. The unit is then temperature-cycled through a number of complete cycles, as typified by the curves of FIG. 4. After this is completed, load 34 is threadably mounted to frame 32 and the contact end of contact 30 is bent back to its operative position, whereupon a decreased force will be applied to the element 16 which then will provide closed-loop operation as exemplified by the curves of FIG. 5. It is noted that radiant heat source 20 and electrical power supply 38 are both provided to apply heat to the temperature sensitive nickel-titanium element 16; however, other diverse heat sources can be utilized depending upon the particular installation.
In summary, there is shown and described a method and apparatus for stabilizing and employing temperature sensitive materials exhibiting martensitic-transitions at various critical temperatures, such as nickel-titanium, or the like, for use in control and work performing devices where accurate temperature-elongation closed-loop operation is required. Thus, control devices utilizing nickel-titanium, for example, as the temperature sensing element having new, improved, and desired characteristics are made feasible for many diverse and commercially important applications.
Inasmuch as the present invention is subject to many variations, modifications and changes in detail, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
What is claimed is:
1. An accurate temperature responsive control device comprising:
means for sensing temperature;
moveable control means coupled to said temperature sensing means for performing a control function in response to actuation by said temperature sensing means; and
means coupled to said temperature sensing means for applying a load thereto having a particular value;
said temperature sensing means being a temperature sensitive material exhibiting a martensitic transition at a critical temperature, which has been deformed by a force greater than the particular value of said load means and subsequently temperature-cycled through said critical temperature in a positive and then a negative direction repetitively in succession to complete a plurality of complete cycles, heating of said material above its critical temperature thereafter moving said temperature sensitive means from its rest position resulting in movement of said control means to effectuate said control function, and cooling of said material below its critical temperature thereafter allowing said temperature sensitive means to return precisely to its rest position under the influence of said load means.
2. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of complete cycles is at least three.
3. The invention as recited in claim 2 wherein said temperature sensitive material comprises an alloy comprising 53.5-56.5 percent nickel by weight, the remainder being essentially titanium.
4. The invention as recited in claim 2 wherein said temperature sensitive material comprises an alloy comprising 55 percent nickel by weight, the remainder being essentially titani- 5. The invention as recited in claim 4, wherein said control function comprises electrical switching.
6. An accurate temperature responsive control device, comprising:
means for sensing temperature comprising a temperature sensitive material exhibiting a martensitic transition at a critical temperature;
moveable control means coupled to said temperature sensing means for performing a control function in response to actuation by said temperature sensing means; 1
means coupled to said temperature sensing means for applying a load thereto; stabilizer means coupled to said temperature sensing means and said load means for selectively applying an additional stabilization load to said temperature sensing means; and
means coupled to said temperature sensing means for temperature-cycling said temperature sensitive material through said critical temperature in a positive and then a negative direction repetitively in succession to complete a plurality of complete cycles after said additional stabilization load has been applied thereto by said stabilizer means to thereby temperature stabilize said material for subsequent operation without said additional stabilization load;
heating of said material above its critical temperature thereafter moving said temperature sensing means from its rest position resulting in movement of said control means to effectuate said control function, and cooling of said material below its critical temperature thereafter allowing said temperature sensing means to return precisely to its rest position under the influence of said load means.
7. The invention as recited in claim 6, wherein said plurality of complete cycles is at least three.
8. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said temperature sensitive material comprises an alloy comprising 53.5-56.5 percent nickel by weight, the remainder being essentially titanium.
9. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said temperature sensitive material comprises an alloy comprising 55 percent nickel by weight, the remainder being essentially titani- 10. The invention as recited in claim 9 wherein said control function comprises electrical switching.

Claims (9)

  1. 2. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of complete cycles is at least three.
  2. 3. The invention as recited in claim 2 wherein said temperature sensitive material comprises an alloy comprising 53.5-56.5 percent nickel by weight, the remainder being essentially titanium.
  3. 4. The invention as recited in claim 2 wherein said temperature sensitive material comprises an alloy comprising 55 percent nickel by weight, the remainder being essentially titanium.
  4. 5. The invention as recited in claim 4, wherein said control function comprises electrical switching.
  5. 6. An accurate temperature responsive control device, comprising: means for sensing temperature comprising a temperature sensitive material exhibiting a martensitic transition at a critical temperature; moveable control means coupled to said temperature sensing means for performing a control function in response to actuation by said temperature sensing means; means coupled to said temperature sensing means for applying a load thereto; stabilizer means coupled to said temperature sensing means and said load means for selectively applying an additional stabilization load to said temperature sensing means; and means coupled to said temperature sensing means for temperature-cycling said temperature sensitive material through said critical temperature in a positive and then a negative direction repetitively in succession to complete a plurality of complete cycles after said additional stabilization load has been applIed thereto by said stabilizer means to thereby temperature stabilize said material for subsequent operation without said additional stabilization load; heating of said material above its critical temperature thereafter moving said temperature sensing means from its rest position resulting in movement of said control means to effectuate said control function, and cooling of said material below its critical temperature thereafter allowing said temperature sensing means to return precisely to its rest position under the influence of said load means.
  6. 7. The invention as recited in claim 6, wherein said plurality of complete cycles is at least three.
  7. 8. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said temperature sensitive material comprises an alloy comprising 53.5-56.5 percent nickel by weight, the remainder being essentially titanium.
  8. 9. The invention as recited in claim 7 wherein said temperature sensitive material comprises an alloy comprising 55 percent nickel by weight, the remainder being essentially titanium.
  9. 10. The invention as recited in claim 9 wherein said control function comprises electrical switching.
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Cited By (47)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3872415A (en) * 1973-04-16 1975-03-18 Texas Instruments Inc Relay
US3883885A (en) * 1973-12-04 1975-05-13 Carl Orlando High-speed shutter
US3906422A (en) * 1974-09-16 1975-09-16 Robert M Healy Resettable fuse
US3922591A (en) * 1972-03-23 1975-11-25 Foxboro Co Heated wire servo motor control system
US3967227A (en) * 1975-01-10 1976-06-29 Texas Instruments Incorporated Actuator system with ambient temperature compensation
US3967486A (en) * 1974-01-18 1976-07-06 Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Toughening roll die work method for metallic material
US4007404A (en) * 1973-04-16 1977-02-08 Texas Instruments Incorporated High gain relays and systems
US4026329A (en) * 1973-12-26 1977-05-31 Texas Pipe Line Company Method and apparatus for remotely and releasably sealing a pipeline
US4037411A (en) * 1976-02-02 1977-07-26 Hochstein Peter A Thermal energy converting assembly
JPS52100171U (en) * 1976-01-28 1977-07-29
US4114559A (en) * 1974-09-23 1978-09-19 Nicoa Corporation Temperature monitoring
US4149911A (en) * 1977-01-24 1979-04-17 Raychem Limited Memory metal article
US4205293A (en) * 1977-05-06 1980-05-27 Bbc Brown Boveri & Company Limited Thermoelectric switch
JPS56153733U (en) * 1980-04-17 1981-11-17
US4304613A (en) * 1980-05-12 1981-12-08 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy TiNi Base alloy shape memory enhancement through thermal and mechanical processing
EP0062365A1 (en) * 1981-03-23 1982-10-13 BBC Aktiengesellschaft Brown, Boveri & Cie. Process for the manufacture of components from a titanium-base alloy, the component obtained this way, and its use
US4386971A (en) * 1981-03-13 1983-06-07 Bbc Brown, Boveri & Company, Limited Process for manufacturing a finished component from an Ni/Ti or Ni/Ti/Cu memory alloy
EP0129691A1 (en) * 1983-05-28 1985-01-02 G. Rau GmbH. & Co. Structural article made of a composite material and manufacturing process therefor
US4544988A (en) * 1983-10-27 1985-10-01 Armada Corporation Bistable shape memory effect thermal transducers
US4551660A (en) * 1983-07-04 1985-11-05 Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho Motor controlling switch device
US4553393A (en) * 1983-08-26 1985-11-19 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration Memory metal actuator
US4559512A (en) * 1983-03-14 1985-12-17 Raychem Corporation Self-protecting and conditioning memory metal actuator
EP0209466A2 (en) * 1985-07-19 1987-01-21 Souriau Et Cie Device for sequential mechanical triggering
FR2589167A1 (en) * 1985-10-28 1987-04-30 Boulanger Catherine Process for obtaining metal objects whose shape changes on heating, and objects obtained by this process
US4684913A (en) * 1986-09-05 1987-08-04 Raychem Corporation Slider lifter
US4713643A (en) * 1986-12-23 1987-12-15 Raychem Corporation Low loss circuit breaker and actuator mechanism therefor
US4765139A (en) * 1987-07-23 1988-08-23 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration Thermocouple for heating and cooling of memory metal actuators
EP0282632A1 (en) * 1987-01-19 1988-09-21 Landis & Gyr Business Support AG Two-rate metering device with two meter trains
US4806815A (en) * 1985-04-03 1989-02-21 Naomitsu Tokieda Linear motion actuator utilizing extended shape memory alloy member
US4825184A (en) * 1987-07-06 1989-04-25 The Boeing Company Current controlled inductor
US4839479A (en) * 1986-06-30 1989-06-13 Davis Jr Thomas O Article using shape-memory alloy to improve and/or control the speed of recovery
US4841730A (en) * 1987-07-02 1989-06-27 Pda Engineering Thermal actuator
US4887430A (en) * 1988-12-21 1989-12-19 Eaton Corporation Bistable SME actuator with retainer
US4914908A (en) * 1988-01-30 1990-04-10 The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. Actuator used shape memory alloy and display conversion device of signs
US5410290A (en) * 1993-08-02 1995-04-25 Cho; Dong-Il Shape memory alloy relays and switches
US6548013B2 (en) 2001-01-24 2003-04-15 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Processing of particulate Ni-Ti alloy to achieve desired shape and properties
US20070050796A1 (en) * 2003-08-28 2007-03-01 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Operating device, position-switching device, and magneto-optical recording/reproducing device
US20070072147A1 (en) * 2005-09-13 2007-03-29 Sportswire, L.L.C. Method of preparing nitinol for use in manufacturing instruments with improved fatigue resistance
US20080006115A1 (en) * 2006-07-05 2008-01-10 Grand Haven Stamped Products, A Division Of Jsj Corporation Shifter with actuator incorporating magnetic unlock mechanism
US20090025501A1 (en) * 2006-07-05 2009-01-29 Mitteer David M Shifter with shape memory alloy and safety
US7524329B2 (en) 2005-02-08 2009-04-28 Wilson-Cook Medical Inc. Self contracting stent
US20100328015A1 (en) * 2009-06-26 2010-12-30 Nokia Corporation Apparatus for coupling an actuator
US20140253280A1 (en) * 2011-10-31 2014-09-11 Ms Techvision Co., Ltd. Repeatable Fuse for Preventing Over-Current
US20140345485A1 (en) * 2013-04-11 2014-11-27 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Support Bracket for Selective Fire Switches
US9273369B1 (en) 2010-09-02 2016-03-01 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of National Aeronautics And Space Administration Thermomechanical methodology for stabilizing shape memory alloy (SMA) response
US20170001834A1 (en) * 2013-12-19 2017-01-05 Inventio Ag Actuator for an elevator system
DE102015116394B4 (en) 2014-09-30 2022-06-23 GM Global Technology Operations LLC (n. d. Gesetzen des Staates Delaware) Temperature sensitive device with a switch and a shape memory alloy wire

Cited By (60)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3922591A (en) * 1972-03-23 1975-11-25 Foxboro Co Heated wire servo motor control system
US4007404A (en) * 1973-04-16 1977-02-08 Texas Instruments Incorporated High gain relays and systems
US3872415A (en) * 1973-04-16 1975-03-18 Texas Instruments Inc Relay
US3883885A (en) * 1973-12-04 1975-05-13 Carl Orlando High-speed shutter
US4026329A (en) * 1973-12-26 1977-05-31 Texas Pipe Line Company Method and apparatus for remotely and releasably sealing a pipeline
US3967486A (en) * 1974-01-18 1976-07-06 Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Toughening roll die work method for metallic material
US3906422A (en) * 1974-09-16 1975-09-16 Robert M Healy Resettable fuse
US4114559A (en) * 1974-09-23 1978-09-19 Nicoa Corporation Temperature monitoring
US3967227A (en) * 1975-01-10 1976-06-29 Texas Instruments Incorporated Actuator system with ambient temperature compensation
JPS52100171U (en) * 1976-01-28 1977-07-29
US4037411A (en) * 1976-02-02 1977-07-26 Hochstein Peter A Thermal energy converting assembly
US4149911A (en) * 1977-01-24 1979-04-17 Raychem Limited Memory metal article
US4205293A (en) * 1977-05-06 1980-05-27 Bbc Brown Boveri & Company Limited Thermoelectric switch
JPS56153733U (en) * 1980-04-17 1981-11-17
JPS609624Y2 (en) * 1980-04-17 1985-04-04 ダイキン工業株式会社 air conditioner
US4304613A (en) * 1980-05-12 1981-12-08 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy TiNi Base alloy shape memory enhancement through thermal and mechanical processing
US4386971A (en) * 1981-03-13 1983-06-07 Bbc Brown, Boveri & Company, Limited Process for manufacturing a finished component from an Ni/Ti or Ni/Ti/Cu memory alloy
EP0062365A1 (en) * 1981-03-23 1982-10-13 BBC Aktiengesellschaft Brown, Boveri & Cie. Process for the manufacture of components from a titanium-base alloy, the component obtained this way, and its use
US4412872A (en) * 1981-03-23 1983-11-01 Bbc Brown, Boveri & Company Limited Process for manufacturing a component from a titanium alloy, as well as a component and the use thereof
US4559512A (en) * 1983-03-14 1985-12-17 Raychem Corporation Self-protecting and conditioning memory metal actuator
EP0129691A1 (en) * 1983-05-28 1985-01-02 G. Rau GmbH. & Co. Structural article made of a composite material and manufacturing process therefor
US4551660A (en) * 1983-07-04 1985-11-05 Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho Motor controlling switch device
US4553393A (en) * 1983-08-26 1985-11-19 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration Memory metal actuator
US4544988A (en) * 1983-10-27 1985-10-01 Armada Corporation Bistable shape memory effect thermal transducers
US4806815A (en) * 1985-04-03 1989-02-21 Naomitsu Tokieda Linear motion actuator utilizing extended shape memory alloy member
EP0209466A2 (en) * 1985-07-19 1987-01-21 Souriau Et Cie Device for sequential mechanical triggering
FR2590048A1 (en) * 1985-07-19 1987-05-15 Souriau & Cie SEQUENTIAL MECHANICAL RELEASE DEVICE
EP0209466A3 (en) * 1985-07-19 1987-09-02 Souriau Et Cie Mechanical device for sequential triggering
FR2589167A1 (en) * 1985-10-28 1987-04-30 Boulanger Catherine Process for obtaining metal objects whose shape changes on heating, and objects obtained by this process
US4839479A (en) * 1986-06-30 1989-06-13 Davis Jr Thomas O Article using shape-memory alloy to improve and/or control the speed of recovery
US4684913A (en) * 1986-09-05 1987-08-04 Raychem Corporation Slider lifter
US4713643A (en) * 1986-12-23 1987-12-15 Raychem Corporation Low loss circuit breaker and actuator mechanism therefor
EP0282632A1 (en) * 1987-01-19 1988-09-21 Landis & Gyr Business Support AG Two-rate metering device with two meter trains
US4841730A (en) * 1987-07-02 1989-06-27 Pda Engineering Thermal actuator
US4825184A (en) * 1987-07-06 1989-04-25 The Boeing Company Current controlled inductor
US4765139A (en) * 1987-07-23 1988-08-23 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration Thermocouple for heating and cooling of memory metal actuators
US4914908A (en) * 1988-01-30 1990-04-10 The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. Actuator used shape memory alloy and display conversion device of signs
US4887430A (en) * 1988-12-21 1989-12-19 Eaton Corporation Bistable SME actuator with retainer
US5410290A (en) * 1993-08-02 1995-04-25 Cho; Dong-Il Shape memory alloy relays and switches
US6548013B2 (en) 2001-01-24 2003-04-15 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Processing of particulate Ni-Ti alloy to achieve desired shape and properties
US20070050796A1 (en) * 2003-08-28 2007-03-01 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Operating device, position-switching device, and magneto-optical recording/reproducing device
US7414512B2 (en) * 2003-08-28 2008-08-19 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Operating device, position-switching device, and magneto-optical recording/reproducing apparatus
US7524329B2 (en) 2005-02-08 2009-04-28 Wilson-Cook Medical Inc. Self contracting stent
US20070072147A1 (en) * 2005-09-13 2007-03-29 Sportswire, L.L.C. Method of preparing nitinol for use in manufacturing instruments with improved fatigue resistance
US20100092915A1 (en) * 2005-09-13 2010-04-15 Berendt Carl J Method of Preparing Nickel Titanium Alloy for Use in Manufacturing Instruments with Improved Fatigue Resistance
US7648599B2 (en) * 2005-09-13 2010-01-19 Sportswire, LLC Method of preparing nickel titanium alloy for use in manufacturing instruments with improved fatigue resistance
US20090025501A1 (en) * 2006-07-05 2009-01-29 Mitteer David M Shifter with shape memory alloy and safety
US20080006112A1 (en) * 2006-07-05 2008-01-10 Grand Haven Stamped Products, A Division Of Jsj Corporation Shifter with actuator incorporating shape memory alloy
US20080006115A1 (en) * 2006-07-05 2008-01-10 Grand Haven Stamped Products, A Division Of Jsj Corporation Shifter with actuator incorporating magnetic unlock mechanism
US7779715B2 (en) 2006-07-05 2010-08-24 Grand Haven Stamped Products, A Division Of Jsj Corporation Shifter with actuator incorporating magnetic unlock mechanism
US7814810B2 (en) 2006-07-05 2010-10-19 Grand Haven Stamped Products, A Division Of Jsj Corporation Shifter with actuator incorporating shape memory alloy
US8117938B2 (en) 2006-07-05 2012-02-21 Ghsp, Inc. Shifter with shape memory alloy and safety
US20100328015A1 (en) * 2009-06-26 2010-12-30 Nokia Corporation Apparatus for coupling an actuator
US9476113B1 (en) 2010-09-02 2016-10-25 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of National Aeronautics And Space Administration Thermomechanical methodology for stabilizing shape memory alloy (SMA) response
US9273369B1 (en) 2010-09-02 2016-03-01 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of National Aeronautics And Space Administration Thermomechanical methodology for stabilizing shape memory alloy (SMA) response
US20140253280A1 (en) * 2011-10-31 2014-09-11 Ms Techvision Co., Ltd. Repeatable Fuse for Preventing Over-Current
US20140345485A1 (en) * 2013-04-11 2014-11-27 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Support Bracket for Selective Fire Switches
US20170001834A1 (en) * 2013-12-19 2017-01-05 Inventio Ag Actuator for an elevator system
US10023430B2 (en) * 2013-12-19 2018-07-17 Inventio Ag Elevator system actuator including a resetting element made from shape memory alloy
DE102015116394B4 (en) 2014-09-30 2022-06-23 GM Global Technology Operations LLC (n. d. Gesetzen des Staates Delaware) Temperature sensitive device with a switch and a shape memory alloy wire

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