Patent ID: 6889411
Filing Date: 2005-05-10
Classification: E05D,E05F,E05Y,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a hinge for moving panels from a stowed position to a deploy position for forming a hinged surface of panels, the method comprising the steps of, heating a shape memory alloy to above a crystal transition temperature and above a training transition temperature, deforming the shape memory alloy into the hinge when above the training temperature to train the shape memory alloy to return to the deployed position, the hinge being trained to return to the deployed position when released from the stowed position, cooling the shape memory alloy to below the training transition temperature and above the crystal transition temperature, the shape memory alloy being in a superelastic state between the training transition temperature and the crystal transition temperature, securing the shape memory alloy into the stowed position in the superelastic state, the shape memory alloy returning to the deployed position when released, and releasing the shape memory alloy in the stowed position, the shape memory alloy being in the superelastic state when returned to the deployed position.