In this paper we describe extensions and improvements upon prior work on “active cells” — small contractile electromechanical elements used in large numbers to create actuated composite structures. Each element (cell) consists of square fiberglass end-pieces encapsulating a bias spring within two telescoping tubes, actuated using two contractile shape memory coils, and occupying approx. 1cm3 when fully contracted. The end-pieces contain conductive interfaces to nearby cells, thus allowing channeling of power through a connected network of cells to provide actuation far from the source of electrical current. Prior work developed the conceptual structure of such a cell as well as preliminary prototypes. This paper describes the attachment of cells to each other and to rapid-prototyped cell interconnects — as well as improved fabrication techniques for the shape-memory coils — resulting in robust actuation for each cell, and the creation of considerably more complex chained and networked composite structures. A detailed exploration of appropriate interconnect mechanisms, powering schemes to provide network-level structural deformations, and examples of multi-cell structures are presented.
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ASME 2014 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems
September 8–10, 2014
Newport, Rhode Island, USA
Conference Sponsors:
- Aerospace Division
ISBN:
978-0-7918-4615-5
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Development of Active-Cells for Macroscopically Deformable Structures
Ahsan I. Nawroj,
Ahsan I. Nawroj
Yale University, New Haven, CT
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John P. Swensen,
John P. Swensen
Yale University, New Haven, CT
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Aaron M. Dollar
Aaron M. Dollar
Yale University, New Haven, CT
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Ahsan I. Nawroj
Yale University, New Haven, CT
John P. Swensen
Yale University, New Haven, CT
Aaron M. Dollar
Yale University, New Haven, CT
Paper No:
SMASIS2014-7448, V002T04A003; 5 pages
Published Online:
December 8, 2014
Citation
Nawroj, AI, Swensen, JP, & Dollar, AM. "Development of Active-Cells for Macroscopically Deformable Structures." Proceedings of the ASME 2014 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems. Volume 2: Mechanics and Behavior of Active Materials; Integrated System Design and Implementation; Bioinspired Smart Materials and Systems; Energy Harvesting. Newport, Rhode Island, USA. September 8–10, 2014. V002T04A003. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/SMASIS2014-7448
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