Optimal design of novel spatial bending SMA actuator based on heat analysis

Be provided with the merits such as high load-weight ratio, low energy dissipation and direct driving, a novel spatial bending shape memory alloy actuator (SMAA) is first presented. Three SMA wires, which are trained to bend as the phase transition occurs, are embedded off-axially and movably in silicone rubber rod solidified at room temperature. The Spatial bending, which is accomplished through heating SMA wires by suitable current, can restore flexibly as soon as stopping heating. Thus, the compact, flexible, mechanical and electrical incorporation actuator is completed. The actuator can realize miniature configuration, simple drive and control, precise operation and flexible movement pose synthetically. After heat and equilibrium analysis of elastic rod with distributed and concentrated loads, the parameters design process of the actuator are deduced. Subsequently, the manufacture of the prototype is discussed in details. Finally, the experiments of the actuator proof fine qualities of the operation performances.