Shape Memory Wire Actuator with Eccentric Rotor Reliefs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shape memory wire actuators face challenges in manufacturing due to high costs and suboptimal coupling, complexity, and reliability issues, particularly in achieving a secure electrical connection and compact design suitable for industrialization and small household appliances.
Innovation Solution
A compact shape memory wire actuator design featuring a rotor member with eccentric reliefs and an actuating assembly that includes shape memory wires, pulleys, and return springs, allowing for efficient rotation and secure electrical coupling through clinching methods, enabling easy installation and high reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If crimping is used to connect shape memory wires with electrical terminals, then electrical connection is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and coupling reliability deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical terminal and the stop function into a single integrated component. The terminal serves dual purposes: providing electrical connection and acting as a mechanical stop to prevent wire dislodgement. This eliminates the need for separate crimping operations and additional stop elements, reducing manufacturing complexity while improving long-term coupling reliability through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal is designed to automatically perform both electrical connection and mechanical retention functions without requiring external tools or additional components. The terminal's structure inherently provides the stopping function through its geometry, allowing the wire to be secured simply by insertion and electrical contact, eliminating complex crimping processes.
2Reliability
If additional elements are used to stop wire on electrode, then good electrical contact is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stop function with the electrical terminal into a single integrated element. The terminal's structure inherently provides the mechanical stop through its geometry, eliminating the need for separate stop elements. This reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable electrical contact and mechanical retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical terminal is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing electrical connection, acting as a mechanical stop, and ensuring proper wire positioning. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for additional specialized components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining all necessary functions.
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 actuator achieves reliable, compact, and cost-effective operation with improved coupling and reduced complexity, facilitating industrial production and easy integration into small household appliances, ensuring efficient rotary motion transfer and bistable mechanical operation.
Implementation Method 1
shape memory wires recover an original shape when they are crossed by current and, by Joule effect, heat up
Implementation Method 2
when they are subjected to heating. Therefore, shape memory wires recover an original shape when they are crossed by current and, by Joule effect, heat up
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns an electric actuator (A, A′), comprising a rotor member (6) and an actuating assembly (4) configured to interfere with said rotor member (6), causing it to rotate, characterized in that said rotor member (6) comprises a pair of eccentric reliefs (63) arranged so as to interfere with said actuating assembly (4), and in that said actuating assembly (4) comprises a shape memory wire (2), wherein said actuating assembly (4) is configured to cause the rotation of said rotor member (6) when electric current flows through at least a portion of said shape memory wire (2).