New Shape Memory Alloy Actuator: Design and Application in the Prosthetic Hand

Background Our goal is to develop a peripheral nerve electrode with long-term stability and fidelity for use in nerve-machine interfaces. Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) use silicon probes that contain multi-channel actuators, sensors, and electronics. We tested the null hypothesis that implantation of MEMS probes do not have a detrimental effect on peripheral nerve function or regeneration. Methods A rat hindlimb, peroneal nerve model was utilized in all experimental groups: a) intact nerve (Control, n= 10); b) nerve division and repair (Repair, n= 9); and c) Nerve division, insertion of MEMS probe, and repair (Repair + Probe, n=9). Nerve morphology, nerve to muscle compound action potential (CMAP) studies, walking tracks, and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle function tests were evaluated following an 80 day recovery. Results Repair and Repair + Probe showed no differences in axon count, axon size, percent non-neural area, CMAP amplitude, latency, muscle mass, muscle force, or walking track scores. Though there was some local fibrosis around each MEMS probe, this did not lead to measurable detrimental effects in any anatomic or functional outcome measurements. Conclusions The lack of a significant difference between Repair and Repair + Probe groups in histology, CMAP, walking tracks, and muscle force suggests that MEMS electrodes are compatible with regenerating axons and show promise for establishing chemical and electrical interfaces with peripheral nerves.

show abstract

“…(5) With the incorporation of shape memory alloy actuators, successive prototypes are becoming lighter and easier to use. (6, 7)…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microscale Electrode Implantation during Nerve Repair

Urbanchek

Wei

Egeland

et al. 2011

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…SMAs have become extremely common in engineering and medical sectors [26,27]. Iron-based SMAs like the Fe-Mn-Si alloy system has great potential in the civil engineering sector for repair and reinforcement of structures [28].…”

Section: Shape Memory Alloy (Sma)mentioning

confidence: 99%

4D printing of materials for the future: Opportunities and challenges

Joshi

Rawat

Karunakaran

et al. 2020

Applied Materials Today

179

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The concept of 4D printing involves the formation of complex three-dimensional structures having the ability to adopt different shapes and forms when subjected to different environmental stimuli. Some researchers simply view this technique as an extension of 3D printing or additive manufacturing with the added constraint of time. However, the unique shape change mechanism exhibited in this process is due to a combination of shape programming and the usage of smart active materials mostly polymers. This review article highlights the various smart materials, activation mechanisms and the shape-changing techniques employed in the 4D printing process. The potential of these shape-changing structures and their current applications in various biomedical and engineering fields is also explored. The article aims to emphasize the potential and viability of 4D printing and is directed towards providing an in-depth insight into the 4D printing process.

show abstract

“…For actuators based on SMA wires, the arrangement of SMA wires is also a very important aspect. At present, the basic methods are series and parallel [27,28], and their applications mainly include valves [29,30], linear actuators [31], rotary actuators [23,28,32], motors [15,33], grippers [34][35][36][37], hands [38][39][40][41], orthotics [42] and so on. Besides, the specific arrangement of SMA wires also needs to be combined with the corresponding changes in structure and more practical application requirements.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A multi-posture 3D printed actuator composed of VT-type bidirectional deflection fishbone-like modules based on shape memory alloy wires

Li¹,

Liu²,

Tong³

et al. 2022

Smart Mater. Struct.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

In this paper, a multi-posture actuator (MPA) composed of VT-type bidirectional deflection fishbone-like modules (VBFM) based on shape memory alloy (SMA) wires is proposed for realizing multi-posture deformation control. Through sizing of the VT-type structure and the arrangement of VBFM in series, it is possible to realize the actuator design meeting specific deformation requirements. The thermo mechanical coupling analysis model b- ased on kinematics, dynamics, thermodynamics and SMA models is established to study the VBFM deflection angle and multi-posture performance of the MPA. The experimental and numerical results show that the MPA can achieve the target postures and the maximum deflection angle of the single VBFM in one direction can reach about 1.8°. In addition, the load actuation performance of 1-VBFM and MPA is investigated, and the results show that the actuated deflection angle increases with the input electrical power within its effective range and decreases with the external load. This study lays the foundation for the applications of lightweight modular MPAs in robotics, aerospace, vehicle engineering, etc.

show abstract

New Shape Memory Alloy Actuator: Design and Application in the Prosthetic Hand

Cited by 17 publications

References 5 publications

Microscale Electrode Implantation during Nerve Repair

Microscale Electrode Implantation during Nerve Repair

4D printing of materials for the future: Opportunities and challenges

A multi-posture 3D printed actuator composed of VT-type bidirectional deflection fishbone-like modules based on shape memory alloy wires

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About