SMA Array Controls
Problem Statement
To increase the efficiency of the shape memory alloys (SMA) muscle array, fluid recycling with heating and cooling, and displacement sensing systems are to be designed and built. The fluid recycling system will allow the SMA muscle array to operate without requiring external fluid sources. The displacement sensing system will allow the SMA muscle array to shut off fluid flow at desired displacements.
The fluid recycling system will consist of an on/off feedback system. This system will be using feedback from temperature sensors to know whether the exiting fluid from the SMA muscle array is the hot or cold fluid to direct it to the correct reservoir. Once in the correct reservoirs the fluids will be heated and cooled via heat pump.
The displacement sensing system will also consist of an on/off feedback system. The system will measure the displacement of the SMA muscle fibers with a system to be designed and built then shut off the fluid flow once a desired displacement is reached.
Project Summary
The 2005/2006 SMA senior design group has already created a single robot finger with three independent joints. The 2006/2007 SMA project has been split into two design teams. This team will be developing a control feedback system while the other team will be working on the extension and/or improvement of the mechanical design.
