32 results about "Sma actuator" patented technology

First and second closure members are moveable between an extended position and a contracted position. A first actuator assembly is supported by a first end of a circuit board and comprises a first actuator body coupled to the first closure member. A second actuator assembly is supported by a second end of the circuit board and comprises a second actuator coupled to the second closure member. Each actuator body is in electrical contact with an electrical contact surface on a first side of the circuit board and with an electrical contact surface on a second side of the circuit board. First and second SMA actuators extend between the first actuator body and the second actuator body. Each actuator moves a respective one of the first and second closure member to the contracted position in response to an electrical input.

A shape memory alloy SMA actuator comprises a first part 4 with a first surface 4f, a second part 20 moveable relative to the first part 4 across the first surface 4f, and one or more SMA elements 80a

The present embodiments relate to a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator with a joint between an SMA wire the SMA actuator being disposed at a bottom surface of the SMA actuator. The SMA actuator can include at least one fixed end configured to be fixed to a carriage, at least one free end, at least one beam connecting the fixed end and the free end, and at least one SMA wire. The at least one SMA wire can be electrically connected to the at least one fixed end and the at least one free end via electrical contact portions. The position of the at least one SMA wire being affixed to the bottom surface can allow for reduced stress and a wire exit angle at the weld joint between each SMA wire and the actuator, improving resiliency of the SMA actuator.

The invention provides an engine oil-water separation fault-tolerant control method and system based on redundancy perception, and relates to the technical field of engine control, and the method comprises the steps: when an engine is started, starting a water separator in parallel to carry out oil-water separation with a preset fixed split ratio; synchronously electrifying the main sensor group and the backup sensor, and carrying out data consistency cross verification; if the verification is passed, sensing deviation analysis of the main sensor group is carried out; if the credibility is greater than a preset confidence threshold, performing shunting parameter adjustment prediction, and outputting a real-time shunting ratio; a PWM current instruction generated according to the real-time shunt ratio is sent to an SMA actuator, and stepless regulation of the shunt ratio is carried out; and split ratio adjustment iteration is carried out until a steady-state lubrication working condition is entered. The technical problems that in the prior art, a plurality of sensors and proportional control valves need to be installed in a lubricating system, so that the number of parts is increased, the structure is complicated, and the production cost and the system failure rate are increased are solved.

The present embodiments relate to a rotational actuator using a set of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators to cause rotational motion of an actuator body. The actuator body can include a fixed portion configured to remain static and a moving portion configured to rotate. A set of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators can be connected to the actuator body. Each SMA actuator can include a fixed end fixed to the fixed portion of the actuator body and a free end in contact to the moving portion. Each SMA actuator can include a SMA material disposed between the fixed end and the free end. Each SMA actuator can, in response to an electrical current, extend or retract to enable rotation of the moving portion in a clockwise or a counter-clockwise direction.

A material-actuated door includes a door housing including a flexible material; and one or more least one Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuators embedded in the door housing. Each SMA actuator is elastically biased in a first actuator physical state and is configured to transition into a second actuator physical state in response to receiving electrical current. The material-actuated door is transitioned into a first door position in response to disconnecting the electrical current to the at least one SMA actuator, and is transitioned into a second door position in response to delivering the electrical current to the at least one SMA actuator.

A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator includes a lever pivotable about a pivot axis between a first position and a second position, a mount coupled to the lever and radially offset from the pivot axis, and an actuator coupled to the lever and moveable between an extended position corresponding to the first position of the lever and a retracted position corresponding to the second position of the lever. The SMA actuator also includes a shape memory alloy (SMA) element connected to the mount. In response to heat being applied to the SMA element, the SMA element changes between an extended state and a contracted state. The lever is configured to pivot from the first position corresponding to the SMA element being in the contracted state to the second position corresponding to the SMA element being in the extended state.

An SMA actuator assembly comprises a support structure 141, a movable part 130, and a bearing arrangement arranged to guide movement of the movable part relative to the support structure parallel to a

The invention relates to a pneumatic valve having a fluid supply port, a fluid outlet port and a fluid discharge opening, further having: a valve chamber having a fluid supply opening connected to the fluid supply port, a fluid outlet opening connected to the fluid outlet port, and a trigger opening connected to an actuator chamber of the valve, the actuator chamber having a fluid discharge opening; and an actuator formed with an SMA wire, an actuating element on which a sealing element is arranged, the sealing element being pressed against the trigger opening by the reset element in an unactuated state of the actuator and opening the trigger opening in an actuated state of the actuator, a reset element, and a printed circuit board. According to the invention, a diaphragm is provided which divides the valve chamber into two regions, the first region being connected to the trigger opening and the second region being connected to the fluid supply opening, the edge of the diaphragm being clamped between the cup-shaped element and the cover element inserted in the cup-shaped element, at least one passage opening being formed in the clamping region between the first region and the second region.

The present embodiment relates to a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator that requires a reduced number of materials for manufacturing the actuator. In some cases, the elements of the SMA actuator may include disposing a dielectric material on the actuator via an injection molding process. In other cases, the SMA actuator may position the SMA wire over a base of the SMA actuator without using any dielectric material. In a first example, an SMA actuator may include a bracket and a base. The base may include a fixed end secured to the bracket, a free end, a beam connecting the fixed end and the free end, and at least one SMA wire. The SMA actuator may further include an insulator including a dielectric material to electrically isolate the set of electrical contacts at the fixed end.

The present embodiments relate to a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator with a reduced number of materials for manufacturing the actuator. In some instances, elements of the SMA actuator can comprise a dielectric material disposed on the actuator via an injection molding process. In other instances, the SMA actuator can dispose SMA wires above a base of the SMA actuator without the use of any dielectric material. In a first example, an SMA actuator can include a carriage and a base. The base can include a fixed end fixed to the carriage, a free end, a beam connecting the fixed end and the free end, and at least one SMA wire. The SMA actuator can also include an insulator comprising a dielectric material electrically isolating a set of electrical contacts at the fixed end.

The present embodiments relate to a rotational actuator using a set of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators to cause rotational motion of an actuator body. The actuator body can include a fixed portion configured to remain static and a moving portion configured to rotate. A set of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators can be connected to the actuator body. Each SMA actuator can include a fixed end fixed to the fixed portion of the actuator body and a free end in contact to the moving portion. Each SMA actuator can include a SMA material disposed between the fixed end and the free end. Each SMA actuator can, in response to an electrical current, extend or retract to enable rotation of the moving portion in a clockwise or a counter-clockwise direction.

A pneumatic valve comprises a housing with an air chamber having supply, connecting and discharge openings. An actuator with a movable closing element is arranged in the housing, featuring a plunger, which projects through the discharge opening with a plate and a first sealing element for closing the discharge opening with an elastic element which, in the activated state, presses said sealing element against the discharge opening The actuator is in the form of an SMA actuator, wherein the actuator element is configured to, in a non-energized state, bring the actuating element to a first state in which it presses the plunger against the supply opening, and to, in an energized state, bring the actuating element to a second state in which the actuating portion does not exert any force on the plunger, wherein a second sealing element is arranged in the air chamber and functions as a check valve.

The invention provides a bionic octopus submarine pipeline welding robot, and relates to the technical field of robots, a main body structure adopts a semielliptical spherical pressure-resistant shell, a reinforcing support framework and a pneumatic bistable device are arranged in the semielliptical spherical pressure-resistant shell, and the pneumatic bistable device is used for driving a water-jet propeller to realize multi-degree-of-freedom movement of the robot; the mechanical arm system comprises multi-joint mechanical arms, the multi-joint mechanical arms are evenly arranged on the periphery of the main body structure, each multi-joint mechanical arm comprises a plurality of joints, a flexible telescopic rod and a bionic vacuum suction cup, the joints are matched in a non-linear connection mode, and the bionic vacuum suction cups are arranged at the tail ends of the multi-joint mechanical arms; an SMA actuator is arranged in the flexible telescopic rod, the flexible telescopic rod generates eccentric driving force through contraction of the SMA actuator, and position control and space bending movement of the bionic vacuum suction cup in the vertical direction are achieved. And the welding module at the tail end of the multi-joint mechanical arm can be modularly replaced and is used for executing submarine pipeline welding operation.

This invention proposes a multi-directional pulse propulsion underwater soft robot and its operating method based on bistable SMA (Stable Motion Assisted Mullion) drive, belonging to the field of underwater robot technology. It solves the problems of slow swimming speed and low energy utilization efficiency of traditional underwater flexible soft robots, as well as the slow engine reset, requirement for a dedicated reset mechanism, inability to achieve continuous motion, and single-direction pulse jet propulsion of SMA-driven soft robots. The robot includes a biomimetic bell-shaped jar, a propulsion actuator, and a center-of-gravity adjustment mechanism. The biomimetic bell-shaped jar surrounds the propulsion actuator and the center-of-gravity adjustment mechanism. The propulsion actuator includes a support transmission structure and a bistable SMA actuator. The bistable SMA actuator includes two sets of SMA springs arranged in an antagonistic manner, achieving continuous pulse propulsion through alternating on and off-circuit power. The center-of-gravity adjustment mechanism includes an azimuth rotation component and a radial displacement component, achieving 360° omnidirectional center-of-gravity adjustment in the horizontal plane. It is mainly used for deep-sea exploration and continuous underwater monitoring operations.

A pneumatic valve is described with a valve chamber (14) divided into two separate sections (1, 2) by a diaphragm (M). In the first section, the diaphragm (M) can connect or disconnect a first opening and a second opening (VH2) of the valve chamber (14), forming a 2 / 2 normally open (NO) valve, i.e., the valve is open when the diaphragm (M) is relaxed. The second section (2) can be connected to or disconnected from ambient pressure by means of an SMA actuator (16) (shape memory alloy). When the actuator (16) is not actuated, a connecting opening (VT) of the second section (2) of the valve chamber (14) to ambient pressure is closed. Air flowing into a third opening (VP) of the valve chamber (14), which is connected to the second section (2), can force the diaphragm (M) against the first opening (VH1) by means of high-pressure air, thus closing it.The force of the SMA actuator (16) therefore only needs to be designed to open the fourth opening (VT) for venting the second area (2).

A pneumatic valve features a fluid supply port, a fluid outlet port, and a fluid drainage opening. The valve includes a valve chamber with fluid supply, outlet, and trigger openings, and an actuator chamber connected to the trigger opening. An actuator with an SMA wire, actuating and resetting elements, and a printed circuit board is housed within the valve. A sealing element on the actuating element controls the trigger opening, while a membrane divides the valve chamber into two regions and facilitates plunger movement. The plunger connected to the membrane closes the fluid outlet opening in the unactuated state and opens it in the actuated state. The membrane includes a passage opening for fluid flow between the regions, with a smaller cross-section than the trigger opening, facilitating controlled fluid flow within the valve.

The present embodiments relate to a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator with a reduced number of materials for manufacturing the actuator. In some instances, elements of the SMA actuator can comprise a dielectric material disposed on the actuator via an injection molding process. In other instances, the SMA actuator can dispose SMA wires above a base of the SMA actuator without the use of any dielectric material. In a first example, an SMA actuator can include a carriage and a base. The base can include a fixed end fixed to the carriage, a free end, a beam connecting the fixed end and the free end, and at least one SMA wire. The SMA actuator can also include an insulator comprising a dielectric material electrically isolating a set of electrical contacts at the fixed end.

A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator includes a lever pivotable about a pivot axis between a first position and a second position, a mount coupled to the lever and radially offset from the pivot axis, and an actuator coupled to the lever and moveable between an extended position corresponding to the first position of the lever and a retracted position corresponding to the second position of the lever. The SMA actuator also includes a shape memory alloy (SMA) element connected to the mount. In response to heat being applied to the SMA element, the SMA element changes between an extended state and a contracted state. The lever is configured to pivot from the first position corresponding to the SMA element being in the contracted state to the second position corresponding to the SMA element being in the extended state.

The present technology relates to an actuator and an actuator drive method that are capable of cooling an actuator (SMA actuator) using an shape memory alloy (SMA) by means of an stand-alone cooling mechanism. A wire is formed of a shape memory alloy, the wire is arranged to pass through a hollow portion of a tubular member, and a refrigerant, which is a fluid, is stored in the hollow portion.

A shape memory alloy, SMA, actuator assembly (1) comprising a first part (4) comprising a first surface (4f); a second part (20) which is movable relative to the first part across the first surface; one or more SMA elements (80) arranged, on actuation, to drive movement of the second part relative to the first part, wherein the SMA actuator assembly is arranged such that the second part and the first surface are biased against each other with a normal force, thereby generating a frictional force therebetween; and a controller configured to control actuation of the one or more SMA elements. The controller is configured to: cause the supply of power at a first power level to the one or more SMA elements to drive movement of the second part relative to the first part; and cause the supply of power at a second power level, lower than the first power level, to the one or more SMA elements to apply a force to the second part which is sufficient, in combination with the frictional force between the first surface and the second part, to hold the second part in position relative to the first part.

This embodiment relates to a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator with a reduced number of materials required to manufacture the actuator. In some cases, the elements of the SMA actuator include a dielectric material that is placed on the actuator through an injection molding process. In other cases, the SMA actuator may have SMA wires placed above the base of the SMA actuator without using any dielectric material. In the first example, the SMA actuator may include a carriage and a base. The base may include a fixed end fixed to the carriage, a free end, a beam connecting the fixed and free ends, and at least one SMA wire. The SMA actuator may also include an insulator containing a dielectric material that electrically insulates a first set of electrical contacts at the fixed end.

A pneumatic valve includes a fluid supply port, a fluid outlet port, and a fluid drainage opening. A valve chamber includes a fluid supply opening connected to the fluid supply port, a fluid outlet opening connected to the fluid outlet port, a trigger opening connected to an actuator chamber having the fluid drainage opening. An actuator disposed in the actuator chamber is formed with an SMA wire includes an actuating element and a resetting element. A sealing element is arranged on the actuating element and is pressed against the trigger opening by the resetting element in a non-actuated state and opens up the trigger opening in an actuated state. A membrane divides the valve chamber into two a first region connected to the trigger opening and a second region connected to the fluid supply opening.

The present embodiments relate to a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator with a reduced number of materials for manufacturing the actuator. In some instances, elements of the SMA actuator can comprise a dielectric material disposed on the actuator via an injection molding process. In other instances, the SMA actuator can dispose SMA wires above a base of the SMA actuator without the use of any dielectric material. In a first example, an SMA actuator can include a carriage and a base. The base can include a fixed end fixed to the carriage, a free end, a beam connecting the fixed end and the free end, and at least one SMA wire. The SMA actuator can also include an insulator comprising a dielectric material electrically isolating a set of electrical contacts at the fixed end.

Pneumatic valve with a fluid supply port (P), a fluid outlet port (A) and a fluid drain port (R), with a valve chamber (14) having a fluid supply port (FZ) connected to the fluid supply port (P), a fluid outlet port (VH) connected to the fluid outlet port (A) and a trigger port (VT) connected to an actuator chamber (15) of the valve which has the fluid drain port (R), with an actuator (16) formed with an SMA wire (SMA), with an actuating element (B), a return element and a circuit board (17) arranged in the actuator chamber (15), wherein a sealing element (E) is arranged on the actuating element (B) which is pressed against the trigger port (VT) by the return element in the unactuated state of the actuator (16) and releases the trigger port (VT) in the actuated state of the actuator (16).A diaphragm (M) is provided which divides the valve chamber (14) into two areas, wherein a first area (1) is connected to the trigger opening (VT) and a second area (2) is connected to the fluid supply opening (FZ), wherein the diaphragm (M) is clamped with its edge between a cup-shaped element (G) forming the valve chamber (14) and a cover element (K) inserted therein, and wherein at least one through-opening is formed in the area of ​​clamping between the first area (1) and the second area (2).

Pneumatic valve with a fluid supply port (P), a fluid outlet port (A) and a fluid drain port (R), with a valve chamber (14) having a fluid supply port (FZ) connected to the fluid supply port (P), a fluid outlet port (VH) connected to the fluid outlet port (A) and a trigger port (VT) connected to an actuator chamber (15) of the valve which has the fluid outlet port (R), with an actuator (16) formed with an SMA wire (SMA), an actuating element (B), an elastic element (F) and a printed circuit board (17) arranged in the actuator space (15), wherein a sealing element (E) is arranged on the actuating element (B), which is pressed against the trigger opening (VT) by the return element in the unactuated state of the actuator (16) and releases the trigger opening (VT) in the actuated state of the actuator (16), with a diaphragm (M) that divides the valve chamber (14) into two areas, a first area (1) being connected to the trigger opening (VT) and a second area (2) being connected to the fluid supply opening (FZ), wherein the diaphragm (M) is connected to a plunger (S) which, due to a spring force, is pressed against the fluid outlet opening (VH) in the unactuated state of the actuator (16) and closes it, and in the actuated state of the actuator (16) is pushed away from the fluid outlet opening (VH) by a fluid flowing through the fluid supply opening (FZ) and releases the fluid outlet opening (VH), wherein the diaphragm (M) is clamped with its edge between a cup-shaped element (18) forming the valve chamber (14) and a lid element (K) inserted therein, and wherein at least one through-opening (D) is formed in the area of ​​the clamping between the first area (1) and the second area (2), through which fluid can flow from the first area (1) to the second area (2).

This document describes an SMA actuator and related methods. One embodiment of the actuator includes: a base; a plurality of buckling arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled to a pair of buckling arms among the plurality of buckling arms. Another embodiment of the actuator includes a base and at least one dual piezoelectric wafer actuator comprising a shape memory alloy material. The dual piezoelectric wafer actuator is attached to the base.

An SMA actuator assembly (2) comprising: first and second parts (4,6) that are movable relative to each other; and an SMA wire (10) arranged, on contraction, to drive relative movement of the first and second parts; and a heat transfer material (30) arranged between the first and second parts and around at least a portion of the SMA wire so as to transfer heat between the SMA wire and first and / or second parts, wherein the heat transfer material is configured to deform so as to allow relative movement of the first and second parts.

A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator assembly comprising: a support structure (211); a moveable part (213) moveable relative to the support structure; at least one SMA wire (202) having a first portion and a second portion respectively attached to the support structure and the moveable part, the said SMA wire is configured to, on contraction, drive movement in the moveable part at least in a primary axis along which the shortest side of the SMA actuator assembly extends; an intermediate component (220) engaging the SMA wire at a location between the first and second portions, the second portion of the SMA wire being arranged at an oblique angle to both the primary axis and the first portion of the SMA wire.

Shape memory alloy (SMA) systems suffer from system complexity, resulting in bulky systems that require a large footprint and significant height clearance. Furthermore, current systems have not been able to achieve a high Z-stroke range with a compact, low-profile footprint. [Solution] SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of the actuator includes a base, a plurality of bending arms, and at least a first shape memory alloy wire connected to a pair of the plurality of bending arms. Another embodiment of the actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator comprising a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator is mounted on the base.