Assembly method for a shape memory alloy actuator arrangement
AssigneeCambridge Mechatronics Limited
InventorsStephen Matthew Bunting, James Howarth, Andrew Benjamin David Brown
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Abstract
An SMA actuator arrangement is assembled using a strut element shaped to comprise a sacrificial strut body and crimp tabs held apart by the sacrificial strut body. A SMA wire is laid across the crimp tabs which are folded and pressed to form crimps holding the SMA wire. The crimps are then attached to static and moving parts, after which the sacrificial strut body is removed. The method allows the crimping to be performed without hindrance from the static and moving parts, the sacrificial strut body holding the relative locations of the crimps prior to attachment.
Claims19
A method of assembling a shape memory alloy actuator arrangement comprising a static part, a moving part, and at least one shape memory alloy wire, the method comprising:
- providing a strut having a sacrificial strut body and crimp tabs held apart by the sacrificial strut body;
- laying at least one shape memory alloy wire across the crimp tabs of the strut;
- folding and pressing the crimp tabs over the shape memory alloy wire to form crimps holding the shape memory alloy wire therebetween;
- attaching the crimps to at least one of the static part and the moving part;
- and
- removing the sacrificial strut body, leaving the crimps attached to the at least one of the static part and the moving part.
A strut comprising:
- a sacrificial strut body;
- and
- first and second crimps held apart by the sacrificial strut body, the first and second crimps holding at least one shape memory alloy wire by being folded and pressed over the at least one shape memory alloy wire, the sacrificial strut body being configured to hold the first and second crimps apart while the first and second crimps are attached to at least one of static and moving parts of an SMA actuator arrangement, the sacrificial strut body being removable from the first and second crimps to leave the at least one SMA wire extending between the attached first and second crimps.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.