Shape Memory Actuator Assembly with Conductive Fixing Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator assemblies made of shape memory alloys (SMAs) face challenges in achieving both mechanical and electrical connections, as prior methods primarily rely on rivets for mechanical fixation, which do not allow for electrical operation or require additional electrical connections for heating and heat removal.
Innovation Solution
An actuator assembly design that incorporates a substrate with circuit paths and a shape memory material actuator, where the actuator has through holes aligning with substrate and circuit path holes, allowing a fixing member to create a permanent mechanical and electrical connection, enabling the actuator to be both mechanically fixed and electrically powered, with the option of using a conductive rivet for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rivet is used for mechanical fixation of the actuator, then the actuator is securely fixed to the substrate, but electrical connection for heating current and heat removal is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The rivet is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical fixation of the actuator to the substrate while also serving as an electrical conductor for transmitting heating current and removing heat. This multi-functional rivet eliminates the need for separate mechanical and electrical connection components.
2Reliability
If separate mechanical and electrical connections are used, then reliable fixation and electrical operation are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connection component (rivet) and electrical connection component (conductor) are merged into a single integrated rivet structure. This combination maintains the reliability of both mechanical fixation and electrical operation while significantly reducing the overall device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate connection elements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design allows for a single-step mechanical and electrical connection of the actuator to the substrate, facilitating the application of a heating current and effective heat removal, while maintaining the actuator's shape memory functionality.
Implementation Method 1
at least one actuator made at least partially of a shape memory material, wherein the actuator comprises at least a first end and a second end
Implementation Method 2
The shape memory effect is activated by means of the temperature of a gas flowing through the tube
Implementation Method 3
an electrical operation of these actuators is not possible or requires a further electrical connection
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An actuator assembly (100) is disclosed which comprises at least one substrate (102) having at least a first circuit path (110) mounted on at least one side of the substrate, at least one actuator (128) made at least partially of a shape memory material, wherein the actuator (128) comprises at least a first end (130) and a second end (132), and at least one fixing member (140, 142), wherein the first end (130) comprises a first actuator through hole (134), wherein the first circuit path (110) comprises a first support surface (116) defining a first circuit path through hole (118), wherein the substrate (102) comprises a first substrate through hole (104), wherein the first actuator through hole (134), the first circuit path through hole (118) and the first substrate through hole (104) overlap one another, wherein the fixing member (140, 142) extends through the first actuator through hole (134), the first circuit path through hole (118) and the first substrate through hole (104) such that the actuator (140) is permanently fixed to the substrate (102) and the first circuit path (10) at least at the first end (130) by means of the fixing member (140, 142).