8,705 research outputs found
Shape memory alloy actuators for active disassembly using âsmartâ materials of consumer electronic products
This paper reports the preliminary to current development of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuators within their application in âActive Disassembly using Smart Materialsâ (ADSM). This non-destructive self-dismantling process is to aid recycling of consumer electronic products. Actuators were placed in single and multi-stage hierarchical temperature regimes after being embedded into macro and sub-assemblies of electronic product assemblies. Findings include active disassembly and a hierarchical dismantling regime for product dismantling using developed SMA actuators embedded into candidate products
Investigations of generic self disassembly using shape memory alloys
Industrial recycling is a practice of growing importance while impending `Take Back' European legislation and economic pressures are increasing. Landfill sites are becoming exhausted and the industry could benefit from a novel approach to recycling pre and post consumer waste. Cost constraints limit the number of different products that can be recycled. Recyclers are working on broadening the range of reusable components from this waste stream, but the proposed approach would significantly increase the volume of recyclable material used in manufacturing new products. This alternative could potentially reduce recycling cost per product in the event of mandatory recycling as a wide variety of consumer electronics could be actively or self disassembled on the same generic dismantling line. The use of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuators in a wide variety of consumer electronic products in the same dismantling facility was tested. The candidate products had undergone a multi-stage hierarchical temperature regime on their macro and subassembly disassemblies and results reported. Two forms of SMA actuators were employed in the designs of actuators; these were one-way Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) and two-way Copper-Zinc-Aluminum (CuZnAl) actuators
Intelligent infrastructures systems for sustainable urban environment
Extensive research is now under way around the world to develop advanced technologies to enhance the performances of infrastructure systems. While these technological advances are incremental in nature, they will eventually lead to structures which are distinctly different from the actual infrastructure systems. These new structures will be therefore capable of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), involving applications of electronics and smart materials, aiming to assist engineers in realizing the full benefits of structural health monitoring.intelligent infrastructures, environment, optimization
SMA applications in an innovative multishot deployment mechanism
An innovative Deployment and Retraction hinge Mechanism (DARM) in the frame of a technological program is examined. The mechanism includes two restraint/release devices, which enable it to be stable in its stowed or deployed position while sustaining all associated loads, and to carry its payload by remote command. The main characteristics of the DARM are as follows: deployment and retraction movements are spring actuated; the available amount of functional sequences is almost unlimited; and no use of electrical motors is made. These features were accomplished by: the application of a special kinematic scheme to the mechanical connection between the spring motor and the swivel head arm; and the use of shape memory alloys (SMA) actuators for both release and spring recharge functions. DARM is thus a mechanism which can find many applications in the general space scenario of in-orbit maintenance and servicing. In such a frame, the DARM typical concept, which has a design close to very simple one-shot deployment mechanisms, has a good chance to replace existing analog machines. Potential items that could be moved by DARM are: booms for satellite instruments; antenna reflector tips; entire antenna reflectors; and solar panels
Shape Memory Alloy Actuator Design: CASMART Collaborative Best Practices
Upon examination of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuation designs, there are many considerations and methodologies that are common to them all. A goal of CASMART's design working group is to compile the collective experiences of CASMART's member organizations into a single medium that engineers can then use to make the best decisions regarding SMA system design. In this paper, a review of recent work toward this goal is presented, spanning a wide range of design aspects including evaluation, properties, testing, modeling, alloy selection, fabrication, actuator processing, design optimization, controls, and system integration. We have documented each aspect, based on our collective experiences, so that the design engineer may access the tools and information needed to successfully design and develop SMA systems. Through comparison of several case studies, it is shown that there is not an obvious single, linear route a designer can adopt to navigate the path of concept to product. SMA engineering aspects will have different priorities and emphasis for different applications
Smart nanotextiles: materials and their application
Textiles are ubiquitous to us, enveloping our skin and
surroundings. Not only do they provide a protective
shield or act as a comforting cocoon but they also
serve esthetic appeal and cultural importance. Recent
technologies have allowed the traditional functionality
of textiles to be extended. Advances in materials
science have added intelligence to textiles and created
âsmartâ clothes.
Smart textiles can sense and react to environmental
conditions or stimuli, e.g., from mechanical, thermal,
chemical, electrical, or magnetic sources (Lam Po
Tang and Stylios 2006). Such textiles find uses in many
applications ranging from military and security to
personalized healthcare, hygiene, and entertainment.
Smart textiles may be termed ââpassiveââ or ââactive.ââ A
passive smart textile monitors the wearerâs physiology
or the environment, e.g., a shirt with in-built
thermistors to log body temperature over time. If
actuators are integrated, the textile becomes an active,
smart textile as it may respond to a particular stimulus,
e.g., the temperature-aware shirt may automatically
roll up the sleeves when body temperature rises.
The fundamental components in any smart textile
are sensors and actuators. Interconnections, power
supply, and a control unit are also needed to complete
the system. All these components must be integrated
into textiles while still retaining the usual
tactile, flexible, and comfortable properties that we
expect from a textile. Adding new functionalities to
textiles while still maintaining the look and feel of the
fabric is where nanotechnology has a huge impact on
the textile industry. This article describes current developments
in materials for smart nanotextiles and
some of the many applications where these innovative
textiles are of great benefit
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