Configurable SMA Actuator Base With Modular Carriage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator designs have limitations in flexibility and adaptability, particularly in terms of customizing SMA wire length and carriage configuration for specific applications such as optical image stabilization and autofocus systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of SMA actuator designs that feature a variable carriage and SMA wire length, allowing for customization based on the system requirements. This includes a common base and tip portion that can be adapted across different SMA designs, with SMA wires electrically isolated using trenches on the base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If SMA wire length is increased to improve force and stroke margin, then actuator performance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into modular components including a base, carriage, and SMA wire assembly. The base contains contact pads and trenches that can accommodate different SMA wire configurations, allowing standardization of the base component while varying only the SMA wire length and carriage position to achieve different force and stroke requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The base component is designed with universal features including multiple contact pads and trenches that can accommodate various SMA wire lengths and configurations. This universal base design allows the same base to support different actuator configurations for different applications, reducing overall system complexity despite varying SMA wire requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom SMA wire length and carriage configuration are implemented for specific applications, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system is segmented into standardized base components and variable SMA wire-carriage assemblies. The base includes pre-formed trenches and contact pads that remain consistent across different applications, while only the SMA wire length and carriage position need to be customized, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to fully custom designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of redesigning the entire actuator structure for different applications, the invention allows customization by changing specific parameters such as SMA wire length, carriage position, and wire diameter while maintaining the same base geometry and contact pad configuration. This parameter-based customization approach significantly reduces manufacturing complexity.
3Force
If multiple SMA wires are used to increase force output, then actuator force is improved, but electrical isolation requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple SMA wires are bundled together and connected to common contact pads on the base. The trenches in the base provide electrical isolation between adjacent wire bundles, allowing multiple wires to work together to increase force output while using a simplified isolation structure rather than individual isolation for each wire.
Solution Approach 2:
The base acts as an intermediary structure that receives multiple SMA wires and distributes electrical current to them through shared contact pads. The trenches in the base serve as intermediary isolation elements that electrically separate different wire groups without requiring complex isolation schemes, simplifying the connection of multiple wires for increased force output.
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
The proposed SMA actuator design achieves improved performance with longer wire lengths, including increased force, stroke margin, faster heating/cooling, and lower power consumption, while maintaining common components and adaptability to different system configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The SMA actuator can be configured to actuate responsive to providing an electrical current to the SMA wire
Implementation Method 2
Shape memory alloy (SMA) systems can include an actuator or structure that can be used in conjunction with various components
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments relate to shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator designs that can have a custom sized SMA wire length and/or a carriage specific to different systems (e.g., optical image stabilization systems, autofocus systems). The actuator can include a common base (or fixed end) and a common tip portion (or free end) that can be common across different SMA designs.