Technology Available for Licensing

Case 13906

Flexible Actuator Based on Shape Memory Alloy Sheet

Keywords:

Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)

Applications:

Robotics probes, laparoscopic medical probes, micro-lenses positioning

Problem:

Require alternatives to traditional actuators for applications where space and weight are limited.

Technology:

This invention proposes actuators that are based on Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) sheets and are built by combining a basic actuation unit. Depending on the combination of these cells the direction of actuation, the force generated and the expansion of the actuator can be controlled. This design reduces the power required and makes mounting the cell simple since the support points are not heated. The force to weight ratio is 160 for comparable power consumption to commercial electromagnetic motors.

Advantages:

• Lightweight and low power consumption
• High weight to force ration (~160)
• Focalizes heat to avoid structural damage
• Achieves long strokes, minimum of 57% expansion

Inventors:

• Professor Daniela Rus (Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MIT)
• Eduardo Torres-Jara (Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, MIT)

Intellectual Property:

US Patent application 12/896184 filed on October 1, 2010

Publications:

N/A

Please contact: Christopher R. Noble MIT Technology Licensing Officer 1 Cambridge Center, Kendall Square, NE18-501 Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142-1601

Email: crn@mit.edu Tel: 617-253-6966 Fax: 617–258-6790 Website: http://tlo.mit.edu