Shape Memory Alloy Driven Two-way Deformation Structure Design

Shape memory alloy (SMA) is a type of smart material with huge driving force, and large driven displacement. Using SMA as the structure driver may force a bi-directional deformation structure that can achieve high efficiency and compact driving structure. SMA, together with elastic component, forms the two-way driving structure; however the two, if respectively serving as the driver, can enable the occurrence of the simplest bi-directional drivable structure. The offset structure constituted by SMA, not only can achieve two-way drive, and does not require continuous input of energy during the shape-stabilizing period. This paper studies the design methods of these two structures, gives the typical formulas, which makes possible efficient and compact bi-directional drivable structures.