Performance of Capsule-Type Micro Actuator Using Hydrogen Storage Alloys

Capsule-type micro actuator driven by the volume change of hydrogen storage alloys (HSA-CMA) was proposed to be applied as an actuator mounted on the joints of the super multilink manipulator to capture space debris. This actuator consists of a hollow sphere frame made of aluminum, a membrane of hydrogen storage alloys and a valve, and is compact and lightweight. The aim of this study was to evaluate the availability of HSA-CMA. Finite element analyses were performed to investigate the actuator displacement and the generating force as the static performance, and the obtained static performances were compared with that of other smart actuators. The analysis on the actuator displacement led to the design map of HSA-CMA. The comparison result suggests that HSA-CMA has the actuator displacement and the generating force as well or better than other smart actuators and that it is suitable for use in space.