Patent ID: 6972659
Filing Date: 2005-12-06
Classification: E05B,F03G,F16C

Abstract:
1. A mechanical release mechanism comprising: a first structural member moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position; a bias member coupled to said first structural member; a second structural member; a latch integrated with the second structural member, the latch having a bias position above the surface of said second structural member, the latch positioned to oppose the force generated by the bias member when the first structural member is in the latched position; a shape memory alloy member mounted within said second structural member and coupled to said latch, said shape memory alloy member producing linear activation force that moves the latch towards the surface of the second structural member to produce relative movement between the first structural member and second structural member, wherein said shape memory alloy member is connected to a first connection point within the second structural member, to the latch, and to a second connection point within the second structural member such that an included angle is formed between the first and second connection points and the latch.