Active material enabled pressure release valves and methods of use

Abstract

An active pressure relief valve includes a housing and a movable vane that can be move to one of the open and closed positions. A linear actuator is mechanically coupled between the movable vane and the housing. The actuator comprises a wire device fabricated from a shape memory alloy. An actuable latching system retains the movable vane in one of the open position and the closed position for an indeterminate time period.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 12 / 254,692, filed October 20, 2008, and also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 114,580, filed November 14, 2008, both at This is incorporated by reference. technical field [0003] The present disclosure relates generally to air pressure relief valves, and more particularly to pressure relief valves and methods utilizing active material actuation to adjust conditions in an internal compartment. Background technique [0004] It is known that a pressure difference between the interior space or compartment and the external environment can cause undesired conditions. For example, in an automotive setting, this would cause an increase in "boom" (ie low level noise discomfort), an increase in the force required to close the door and especially an increase in the discomfort of the occupants in the space when suddenly. Thus, Pressure Reli...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This always results in power consumption

Furthermore, the lack of load limit protection leading to unavoidable failures and the costs associated with them is also a problem for state-of-the-art active material-based PRVs

For example, it is known that active material elements in these PRVs can overheat, become damaged, or otherwise fail when the flap opening becomes blocked by foreign objects

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