Modeling and time delay control of shape memory alloy actuators

Shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators possess hard nonlinearities including backlash-like hysteresis and saturation. These nonlinearities result in steady-state error and limit-cycle problems when conventional controllers such as the proportional integral derivative (PID) are used for trajectory control. In this study, a dynamics for an SMA actuator was newly derived using the modified Liang's model. The derived dynamics showed continuity at the change of the phase transformation process, but the original model could not. SMA actuator characteristics could be well described using this dynamics. The derived dynamics could be also used effectively for the prediction of control performance and gain tuning of the time delay control (TDC). The dynamics consisted of first-order linear and second-order nonlinear equations. Accordingly, a control strategy was established for the TDC to regulate only the second-order nonlinear part for simplicity and for the internal closed loop to regulate the rest. The control strategy was examined from the point of view of influence of an antiwindup scheme and high gain tuning on control performance. An anti-windup scheme was essential to protect windup phenomenon and high gain tuning was effective when a temperature disturbance existed. In the robustness test, the TDC with high gains showed robustness to inertia variation and temperature disturbance in comparison with the TDC with low gains.     

Compact laparoscopic assistant robot using a bending mechanism

This paper presents the development of a compact laparoscopic assistant robot. The robot was designed to increase convenience and reduce possible interference with surgical staff by confining the majority of motions inside the abdomen. Its size was miniaturized as much as possible for convenient handling. A bending mechanism composed of several articulated joints was introduced to produce motions inside the abdomen. The proposed assistant robot can generate 3-DOF motion, including 2-DOF internal bending motion and 1-DOF external linear motion. Since the robot itself functions as a laparoscope, a small CCD camera module and a bundle of optical fibers were integrated as part of the system. For accurate control, mathematical modeling of the bending mechanism and a method of hysteresis compensation were introduced and implemented. For the control of the robot, a voice interface and a visual-servoing method were implemented. The performance of the developed system was tested through solo-surgery of in vivo porcine cholecystectomy. It was found that the views generated by the bending mechanism were sufficient throughout the surgery. Since the robot has functions comparable to the previously developed systems, while retaining its compactness, it is expected to be a useful device for human cholecystectomy.     

Architecture design of a multiaxis cellular actuator array using segmented binary control of shape memory alloy

A new approach to artificial muscle actuator design is presented, and is implemented using shape memory alloys (SMA). An array of SMA actuators is segmented into many independently controlled, spatially discrete volumes, each contributing a small displacement to create a large motion. The segmented cellular architecture of SMA wires is extended to a multiaxis actuator array by arranging the segments in a two-dimensional (2-D) array. The multiaxis control is streamlined and coordinated using a 2-D segmentation method in order to activate multiple links of a robot mechanism in a coordinated manner. The basic principle of segmented binary control (SBC) is first presented, followed by multiaxis segmentation theory and a design procedure. The method is applied to a five-fingered robotic hand capable of taking a variety of postures. A 10-axis SMA actuator array is built, and SBC is implemented using Peltier-effect thermoelectric devices for selective local heating and cooling. Experiments demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the new method.     

Modeling of shape memory alloy shells for design optimization

A three-dimensional phenomenological constitutive model for the analysis and design optimization of shape memory alloy (SMA) structures is presented. This model specifically targets the pseudoelastic behavior due to the R-phase transformation in NiTi alloys, but also applies to similar SMA materials with low hysteresis. A history-independent formulation is presented, which allows cost-effective sensitivity analysis. The possibility to efficiently compute design sensitivities is essential for enabling the use of gradient-based optimization algorithms, which will allow design optimization of complex SMA structures. The use of the constitutive model in a problem of realistic complexity is illustrated by the analysis of a SMA miniature gripper, modeled using shell elements. The sensitivity analysis of SMA structures using the presented model is addressed in an accompanying paper.     

Modeling participatory learning as a control mechanism

We discuss the participatory learning model originally introduced by Yager [IEEE Trans. Syst. Man Cybern. SMC-20 , 1229–1234 (1990)]. We analyze the learning mechanism as a stable control strategy. We show how the learning mechanism used in participatory learning can be expressed in the form of a fuzzy rule base. We use this rule base formulation to provide new learning rules. We modify the Widrow-Hoff rule to include a participatory learning mechanism. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Modeling of pneumatic muscle with shape memory alloy and braided sleeve

Pneumatic muscle (PM) of flexible actuators used in bionic robot is an active area of recent research. A novel PM with shape memory alloy (SMA) braided sleeve is proposed in this paper, and SMA is used to improve PM working characteristics. Based on the principle of virtual work, output force model of PM and relationship with braided wire inner-stress are established, and analysis of PM deformation has shown that braided wire length is the key factor of output force characteristic. Based on the crystal structure transitions, the relationship of temperature with wire shrinkage is derived. Then, the synthetic dynamics of novel PM is established. A physical prototype of PM with SMA braided sleeve is developed, and test platform that is built for the experiment. Experiment and simulation test of static isometric-length, static isobaric-pressure, and dynamic characteristics are done. The experimental results are compared with the simulation of theoretical model. Moreover, based on experiment, model of output force was improved by adding a correction factor to deal with the elastic force of rubber tube. The results analysis demonstrates that the established models are correct, and SMA wires can reinforce PM and make PM working characteristics adjustable. PM proposed in this paper has greater output force and is beneficial to achieve more accurate control that is useful for manipulating fragile things.     

矩形脉冲激励的SMA振子的瞬态响应分析

研究了矩形脉冲激励下SMA振子瞬态响应的全局特性.采用多项式形式的本构方程描述SMA弹簧的恢复力,以此建立SMA振子的动力学方程;且将矩形脉冲激励的SMA振子的瞬态响应响应分为两个阶段:第一阶段是在外力恒定时的衰减振动;第二阶段是没有外力激励的衰减振动.讨论了平衡点的数目,给出了SMA振子的在不同条件下的相平面和时间历程图.最后,采用数值解验证理论分析结果的有效性.研究结果表明,对于不同强度及宽度的矩形脉冲激励,SMA振子会收敛到不同的稳定平衡点,收敛时间较短.     

Modeling and control of coupled bending and torsional vibrations offlexible beams

An evolution equation which governs coupled bending and torsional vibrations of flexible beams with a tip body is derived based on Lagrangian dynamics. A feedback control scheme is shown for suppressing the vibrations     

On thermodynamic active control of shape memory alloy wires

We propose a model for the control of high-frequency oscillations in shape memory alloy wires. We introduce a notion of generalized solution for a generalized control and in this context prove a local exact controllability result effectively corresponding to an approximate controllability result for the nonconvex pseudoelastic material system.     

SMA丝驱动的手指康复机器人设计及实验研究

为了研制一种轻便、可穿戴的仿生手指康复机器人,在分析手指肌肉骨骼生物参数及致动机理的基础上,设计了一种形状记忆合金丝(Shape Memory Alloy, SMA)驱动的软体柔性手指康复机器人,建立了其运动学和力学模型。以手套为结构设计的原型,通过控制SMA丝的收缩来模拟手指肌肉肌腱的收缩,从而实现辅助手指屈曲伸展运动的功能。试验研究了手指康复机器人的运动性能和抓握性能。试验结果表明,手指柔性康复机器人最大弯曲角度接近正常人手关节角度,最大指尖力可达18N,能完成日常所需的屈曲伸展以及抓握功能。     

Experimental comparison of classical PID and model-free control: Position control of a shape memory alloy active spring

Shape memory alloys (SMA) are being more frequently integrated into engineering applications. These materials with their shape memory effect enable the simplification of mechanisms and the reduction in size of actuators. SMA parts can easily be activated by Joule effect but their modeling and consequently their control remains difficult. It is principally due to their non-linear hysteretic thermomechanical behavior. Most of successful control strategies applied to SMA actuators are not often suitable for industrial applications: they are particularly heavy and use the Preisach model or neural networks to model the hysteretic behavior of these materials; this kind of model is difficult to identify and to use in real time. This paper deals with an application of the new framework of model-free control (MFC) of an SMA-spring based actuator. This control strategy relies on new results for fast derivative estimation of noisy signals. Their main advantages are: its simplicity and its robustness. Experimental results and comparisons with PI control are presented that demonstrate the efficiency of this new control strategy.     

Normally closed plunger-membrane microvalve self-actuated electrically using a shape memory alloy wire

Various microfluidic architectures designed for in vivo and point-of-care diagnostic applications require larger channels, autonomous actuation, and portability. In this paper, we present a normally closed microvalve design capable of fully autonomous actuation for wide diameter microchannels (tens to hundreds of µm). We fabricated the multilayer plunger-membrane valve architecture using the silicone elastomer, poly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and optimized it to reduce the force required to open the valve. A 50-µm Nitinol (NiTi) shape memory alloy wire is incorporated into the device and can operate the valve when actuated with 100-mA current delivered from a 3-V supply. We characterized the valve for its actuation kinetics using an electrochemical assay and tested its reliability at 1.5-s cycle duration for 1 million cycles during which we observed no operational degradation.     

Path optimization and control of a shape memory alloy actuated catheter for endocardial radiofrequency ablation

This paper introduces a real-time path optimization and control strategy for shape memory alloy (SMA) actuated cardiac ablation catheters, potentially enabling the creation of more precise lesions with reduced procedure times and improved patient outcomes. Catheter tip locations and orientations are optimized using parallel genetic algorithms to produce continuous ablation paths with near normal tissue contact through physician-specified points. A nonlinear multivariable control strategy is presented to compensate for SMA hysteresis, bandwidth limitations, and coupling between system inputs. Simulated and experimental results demonstrate efficient generation of ablation paths and optimal reference trajectories. Closed-loop control of the SMA-actuated catheter along optimized ablation paths is validated experimentally.     

SMA在星载天线上的热变形控制研究

为了保证星载大型可展开桁架天线在轨运行时能可靠的工作,就必须对其进行在轨热变形控制.通过使用ANSYS软件对可展开天线加入NiNi形状记忆合金丝且在轨道的不同位置点的情况进行了计算,得出了天线反射面的均方根误差.通过研究可以发现,在周边桁架天线中嵌入SMA后减小了天线反射面的均方根误差,从而达到了保证天线型面精度的目的.     

Modeling smooth shape using subdivision on differential coordinates

Traditional subdivision schemes are applied on Euclidean coordinates (the spatial geometry of the control mesh). Although the subdivision limit surfaces are almost everywhere C² continuous, their mean-curvature normals are only C⁰. In order to generate higher quality surfaces with better-distributed mean-curvature normals, we propose a novel framework to apply subdivision for shape modeling, which combines subdivision with differential shape processing. Our framework contains two parts: subdivision on differential coordinates (a kind of differential geometry of the control mesh), and mutual conversions between Euclidean coordinates and differential coordinates. Further discussions about various strategies in both parts include a special subdivision method for mean-curvature normals, additional surface editing options, and a version of our framework for curve design. Finally, we demonstrate the improvement on surface quality by comparing the results between our framework and traditional subdivision methods.     

Robust design of a shape memory actuator with slider and slot layout and passive cooling control

Microsystem Technologies - This work proposes a new shape memory actuator based on a slider and slot mechanism. The device is composed by two couples of opposed SMA coil elements. The SMA elements...     

An earthworm-like micro robot using shape memory alloy actuator

A novel bio-mimetic micro robot with wireless control and wireless power supply using shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator is developed. There have been many kinds of mobile micro robot using the micro actuators such as ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC), micro motors and piezo actuators. These actuators generally require electric cable for power supply, which might highly influence the mobility of the micro robot. Therefore, a perfect wireless micro robot comprising telemetry and batteries is realized using only one SMA spring actuator and one silicone bellow. The SMA actuator and bellow play a role in contraction and extension of an earthworm muscle respectively. Based on theoretical analysis, specifications of a SMA actuator and a bellow are properly selected. For temporal stopping, setae of earthworm mimicked claws are employed. On the issue of control, the proposed robot is controlled according to On/Off signal via wireless communication. The operation is customized through tuning of on-/off-time of an actuator and using different type batteries such as a lithium, silver oxide and alkaline battery. After the design and experiment, we find out that the earthworm-like micro robot without wired power supply and control can move freely without limitation of working space and be fabricated easily.     

Theoretical investigation of the interaction of oxygen with pure and K-doped NiTi shape memory surface alloys

Density functional based theories and experiments agree well on the value of the heat of formation of TiO₂ on NiTi surfaces. However, experimental studies of polycrystalline NiTi surfaces tend to indicate that Ti atoms are always abundantly available at the surface. This theoretical study indicates that whether Ti atoms are dominantly available at the surface depends on the surface index. On NiTi(001) in the B2 phase, the surface can be Ti or Ni terminated, with equal probability, while on NiTi(110) in the B2 phase and NiTi(010) in the B19? phase, Ti atoms are favored to be present at the surface.     

形状记忆合金手指系统的输出力自适应控制

形状记忆合金(SMA)是智能材料中的一种,具有功率重量比大、质量轻、无噪音等特性.作为驱动器有利于结构的小型化和轻型化.然而SMA的非线性、多映射的迟滞特性严重影响了输出力的精确控制.为此,本文提出了基于扰动补偿策略的自适应控制方法用于SMA输出力的精确控制.首先,搭建了SMA驱动的手指实验装置,建立了机理模型;其次,...     

Bio-inspired Actuating System for Swimming Using Shape Memory Alloy Composites

The paper addresses the designs of a caudal peduncle actuator, which is able to furnish a thrust for swimming of a robotic fish. The caudal peduncle actuator is based on concepts of ferromagnetic shape memory alloy (FSMA) composite and hybrid mechanism that can provide a fast response and a strong thrust. The caudal peduncle actuator was inspired by Scomber Scombrus which utilises thunniform mode swimming, which is the most efficient locomotion mode evolved in the aquatic environment, where the thrust is generated by the lift-based method, allowing high cruising speeds to be maintained for a long period of time. The morphology of an average size Scomber Scombrus (length in 310 mm) was investigated, and a 1:1 scale caudal peduncle actuator prototype was modelled and fabricated. The propulsive wave characteristics of the fish at steady speeds were employed as initial design objectives. Some key design parameters are investigated, i.e. aspect ratio (AR) (AR = 3.49), Reynolds number (Re = 429649), reduced frequency (σ= 1.03), Strouhal number (St = 0.306) and the maximum strain of the bent tail was estimated atε= 1.11% which is in the range of superelasticity. The experimental test of the actuator was carried out in a water tank. By applying 7 V and 2.5 A, the actuator can reach the tip-to-tip rotational angle of 85°at 4 Hz.