Patent ID: 8689771
Filing Date: 2014-04-08
Classification: B60C,F16K

Abstract:
1. A device for a fluid system, the device comprising: a member composed of a shape memory alloy in an Austenitic phase state and including one end operatively connected to a fixed point; a movable element operatively connected to another end of the member; a housing operatively connected to the member; a cap adapted to cover an opening in the housing; a notch defined by the cap; wherein the member is configured to undergo a phase change from a high modulus Austenitic phase to a low modulus Martensitic phase in response to an activation stress; wherein the member is configured to reversibly stretch with the phase change, thereby moving the movable element relative to the fixed point; wherein the member is disposed in contact with a first region of the fluid system; wherein the movable element includes first and second faces such that the first face is in contact with the first region; wherein the activation stress is defined by a pressure differential across the first and second faces of the movable element exceeding a first critical value; and wherein the movable element is configured to engage with the notch when the pressure differential exceeds the first critical value, thereby selectively preventing removal of the cap from the housing.