Patent ID: 9714460
Date: 2017-07-25
CPC Classifications: C22F,F03G,H05B

Claim:
1. A system for managing the service life of an shape memory alloy element, comprising: an elongated shape memory alloy element having a first end and a second end; a first member connected to the first end; a second member connected to the second end; a third member; an energy conducting contact connected to the third member; a biasing member operationally connected to the second member and urging the second member into contact with the third member; an energy source operationally connected to the energy conducting contact; wherein the second end is in energetic communication with the energy conducting contact when the second and third members are in contact; wherein energization of the shape memory alloy element induces a phase change urging the second member away from the third member; wherein movement of the second member away from the third member interrupts electric communication between the second end and the energy conducting contact.