SMA Wire Actuator Module for Repeatable Equipment Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator modules for releasing equipment components, such as satellite or rocket components, are bulky, heavy, and often designed for one-time use, lacking reliability and practicality for multiple testing due to their size and weight constraints.
Innovation Solution
The actuator module incorporates a guide sleeve, a release body, a blocking body, and an actuator device with a shape memory alloy actuator wire that contracts when heated, allowing for a compact and reliable mechanism to move the blocking body against a spring preload, enabling repeated actuation and ensuring the release body can be reliably moved from a standby to a working position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional actuator modules are designed with traditional mechanical components, then they can achieve sufficient actuating force, but they become bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation systems with a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire-based actuation system. The SMA wire undergoes phase transformation under electrical heating to generate contractile force, eliminating the need for heavy motors, gears, and other mechanical transmission components. This substitution of mechanical systems with a smart material-based system directly reduces module weight while maintaining sufficient actuating force to overcome the spring preload and release the equipment component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the temperature-dependent phase transformation parameters of shape memory alloy materials. By applying electrical current to heat the SMA wire, the material transitions from austenite to martensite phase, causing significant length contraction (parameter change) that generates the required actuating force. This parameter-based actuation method enables compact design without compromising force output.
2Device complexity
If the actuator module is designed for one-time use, then the structure can be simpler, but it cannot be tested multiple times for reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a resettable actuation mechanism where the blocking body can be dynamically repositioned between blocked and released states. The spring-loaded blocking body automatically returns to its blocking position after actuation, and the SMA wire can be reheated to repeat the actuation cycle. This dynamic reversibility enables multiple testing cycles without structural modification, improving reliability verification while maintaining simple design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a recoverable blocking mechanism where the blocking body is temporarily displaced during actuation but automatically returns to its original blocking position after release. The elastic potential energy stored in the spring during the actuation process is recovered to reset the blocking body, enabling repeated actuation cycles without permanent structural changes or additional complexity.
3Reliability
If the second spring preload is increased to prevent unintentional movement, then safety improves, but the actuator device requires higher actuating force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the phase transition characteristics of shape memory alloy materials, which exhibit superelasticity and large recoverable strain. The SMA wire can undergo significant length contraction during phase transformation, generating exceptionally high actuating forces that easily overcome increased spring preloads. This material property allows the system to maintain high safety factors against unintentional actuation while still achieving reliable release when commanded.
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 achieves a compact, lightweight actuator module with a large travel range and high actuating force, allowing for reliable and repeatable operation, while also enabling easy reset and testing, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of equipment component release mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The shape memory material is designed to contract upon actuation. Preferably, the shape memory material is a shape memory alloy that contracts at least in the longitudinal direction of the actuator wire upon heating.
Implementation Method 2
Heating can be achieved through ohmic heat by supplying the electrically conductive actuator wire with a specific electrical power.
Implementation Method 3
In the standby position, the release body is subjected to a first spring preload urging the release body toward the working position
Implementation Method 4
In its blocking position, the blocking body is subject to a second spring preload, which urges the blocking body from the release position toward the blocking position.
Data Source
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AI summary
A description is given of an actuator module (100; 200; 300; 400) for releasing an equipment component, for example a satellite or a rocket, comprising a module base, which forms a guiding sleeve (4; 304), comprising a releasing element (2; 202; 302), which is intended for coupling with the equipment component, is inserted into the guiding sleeve and is arranged movably in relation to the guiding sleeve (4; 304) along a sleeve axis of the same from a readiness position into a working position, comprising a blocking element (8; 408), which is mounted on the guiding sleeve (4; 304), in its blocking position has the effect of blocking the releasing element (2; 202; 302) from moving out of the readiness position into the working position and in its release position allows movement of the releasing element (2; 202; 302) from the readiness position into the working position, and comprising an actuator device for moving the blocking element (4; 408) out of the blocking position into the release position, wherein the actuator device comprises at least one actuator wire (12; 13) of shape-memory material, which is fixed at the ends of the wire to the module base and is coupled to the blocking element for applying an activating force.