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Published on: October 27, 2023
New shape memory alloy actuator: design and application in the prosthetic hand
Chee Siong Loh1, Hiroshi Yokoi, Tamio Arai
1Department of Precision Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo. lohcs@prince.pe.u-tokyo.ac.jp.
Summary
This study introduces a novel Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator for prosthetic hands, offering a quieter and more compact alternative to traditional servo motors. The design utilizes SMA wires within a stainless steel tube for efficient actuation and heat dissipation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Robotics
Background:
- Conventional servo motors in prosthetic hands are often bulky and generate noise.
- There is a need for more compact, quieter, and efficient actuation systems in prosthetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate a novel Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator for prosthetic hand applications.
- To replace conventional servo motors with a more efficient and less obtrusive actuator design.
Main Methods:
- Developed a new actuator using two one-way memory SMA wires (0.3mm diameter) within a stainless steel tube.
- The tube acts as a guide and heat sink; electrodes facilitate asynchronous current passage for actuation.
- Utilized a high-voltage Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal with short intervals to control SMA actuation and prevent overheating.
Main Results:
- The proposed SMA actuator design is demonstrated as a viable alternative to servo motors.
- The design allows for actuation of degrees of freedom (DOF) in robotic fingers.
- The use of short PWM intervals effectively manages heat build-up in the SMA wires.
Conclusions:
- The novel SMA actuator presents a promising solution for developing more compact and quieter prosthetic hands.
- This design offers improved performance and reduced bulk compared to existing actuation technologies.
- Further research can explore optimizing SMA properties and control strategies for advanced prosthetic functionalities.
