Biomechanically Inspired Shape Memory Effect Machines Driven by Muscle like Acting NiTi Alloys

TLDR

Shape Memory Alloys can contract in response to thermal impulses, mirroring muscle action, and this work adopts a bioinspired design based on antagonistic muscle pairs. The study proposes a model for designing adaptive systems such as switchable windows, smart shadow systems, and urban shelters. The model employs antagonist SMA pairs that change shape in response to external stimuli. Antagonist SMA pairs enable easier, faster shape change, lower energy use, reduced SMA training cost, and eliminate overheating.

Abstract

The research shows a bioinspired approach to be adopted to design of systems based on Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs), a class of Smart Materials that has in common with muscles the capability to react to an impulse (thermal for SMAs) with a contraction. The biomechanically inspired machine that is discussed in the paper refers to the antagonistic muscles pairs, which belongs to the Skeletal Muscles and are normally arranged in opposition so that as one group of muscles contract another group relaxes or lengthens. The study proposes a model, a solution not only to design a specific application, but also to provide an approach to be used for a wide range of adaptive applications (switchable windows, smart shadow systems, parking and urban shelters, etc. ), where the shape changes in response to different external stimuli. The use of antagonist pairs mechanism provides a solution for better optimized systems based on SMAs where the main and proven advantages are: Easier and faster change of shape, lower need of energy for system operation, lower cost for SMA training and no problem of overheating.