Shape memory alloy actuators for active disassembly using ‘smart’ materials of consumer electronic products

Abstract

This paper reports the preliminary to current development of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuators within their application in 'Active Disassembly using Smart Materials' (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.

Efficiency and feasibility of product disassembly: A case-based study

“…Chiodo et al [9][10][11][12] and Arnaiz et al [2] applied this technology for the disassembly of a range of products, among which different types of telephones. These products were designed with shape memory snap fits.…”

Pressure-sensitive fasteners for active disassembly

“…Significant part of the research on AD yet is based on shape memory materials, which are able to return to an initial shape when heated above the trigger temperature [27][28][29][30][31][32]. One case of industrial implementation, albeit discontinued, concerns shape memory alloy (SMA) fasteners in a Sharp mobile phone charger, named "Easy Release Technology" [7,8].…”

Robust analysis of the active disassembly process

“…The Cleaner Research group has been responsible for retrofitting a variety of electronic products with shape memory alloy (SMA) and SMP elements for AD. Their first studies used SMA alloy coils and rods that would forcefully open and separate a product's components upon a thermal trigger [1][2][3][4][5]. Their AD studies with SMPs have used manufactured screws that lose their threading upon a thermal trigger and LCD brackets that will release a LCD upon a thermal trigger [6][7][8][9].…”