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Glenn
Research Center
1992 Phase II
A Low-Cost,
Compact, Non-Explosive Pin- Puller for Aerospace Applications
TiNi
Alloy Company
San Leandro, CA
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INNOVATION
A non-explosive “Pinpuller
and Rotary” actuator employing shape memory alloys (SMA)
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Pinpuller-Model P25-810-1.5R
Optional Powerpoint
file
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Developed an actuating mechanism
by harnessing the recovery characteristics of SMA
- Developed a SMA trigger mechanism
which allows for fast (milli-second) actuation
- Flight qualified several embodiments
prior to the end of Phase II funding
- Patented trigger mechanism based
on SMA technology
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COMMERCIALIZATION
- An SMA actuator was used to
successfully deploy solar arrays for the Clementine Spacecraft
- This technology expanded company’s
aerospace product line sufficiently to enable them to spin off a
new company called TiNi Aerospace, Inc.
- TiNi Aerospace’s production
of aerospace release mechanisms grew to several hundred flight articles
per year with sales revenue exceeding $1M per year
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GOVERNMENT/SCIENCE
APPLICATIONS
- Applications include “Hold Down
and Release” of numerous satellite deployables
including solar panels, communication antennae, instrument cover
doors, radiators, heat shields, tether experiments, isolation system
and numerous others
- Used aboard the Mars Global
Surveyor, Lunar Prospector and numerous others
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| For more
information about this firm, please send e-mail to company
representative
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