Patent ID: 8835818
Filing Date: 2014-09-16
Classification: H05B

Abstract:
1. A flexible self-regulating electric heater assembly arranged to heat an electrically conductive shape memory alloy substrate, the heater assembly comprising: a plurality of substantially rigid PTC (positive temperature coefficient) elements arranged to define gaps between one another in a flexible array, wherein: the PTC elements each has a contact surface arranged in free contact with the substrate and being urged against the substrate so as to remain in direct contact with the substrate upon flexure of the substrate, the substrate serves as a conductor for the supply of electric current to the PTC elements, and the PTC elements are held in a flexible matrix of thermally and electrically insulating potting material, and the PTC elements are resiliently biased against the substrate by the thermally and electrically insulating potting material during flexing of the shape memory alloy substrate.