Patent ID: 6691977
Filing Date: 2004-02-17
Classification: F16K,G05D

Abstract:
An actuator for controlling a flow of a fluid stream through a valve comprising:a shape memory alloy element that positions a valve element to a first position when said SMA element is in an ambient temperature state and a second position when said SMA element is in an elevated temperature state; and a flow plate situated in the fluid stream in a position upstream of the SMA element and having a through-hole pattern to increase the velocity of the flow of the fluid stream around the SMA element while it is in its elevated temperature state so as to cool the SMA element by the flow of the fluid stream controlled by said valve and return the SMA element to its ambient temperature state, wherein the flow plate, comprising a material having a heat capacity higher than that of the SMA element, is situated in a position so as to be in thermal contact with the SMA element where said SMA element is in its elevated temperature state. 2.The actuator of claim 1 wherein said flow plate comprises a silicon material.