Washing machine lid lock with memory wire actuator

Abstract

An actuator suitable for a washing machine lid lock employs a shape memory alloy wire indirectly heated by a temperature regulating heater that provides a sliding coupling to the wire and that may be driven, for example, directly by line voltage without the need for temperature regulation circuitry.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of US Patent Application Serial No. 10 / 982,008, filed November 5, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference. [0003] Statement Regarding Federally Funded Research or Development [0004] -- technical field [0005] The present invention relates to a lid lock for a washing machine, and more particularly to a memory wire actuator which may be used in this or other applications. Background technique [0006] During the spin cycle of the washing machine, water is centrifugally spun from the laundry by spinning the laundry in a spin basket at high speed. To reduce the possibility of injury to a user, a washer lid that blocks access to the spin basket can be locked in a closed position during the wash and spin cycle. Lid locks used for this purpose are usually designed to keep the lid closed for a period of time after the spin cycle ends or power is lost to give time to st...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Bimetallic strips can be heated by passing current directly through them or through a PTC resistor connected to a portion of the flat side of the bimetallic strip, which is not suitable for wax actuators

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