GB2626672A - Use of shape memory alloys in actuation of kinetic mechanisms - Google Patents
Use of shape memory alloys in actuation of kinetic mechanisms Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2626672A GB2626672A GB2401047.2A GB202401047A GB2626672A GB 2626672 A GB2626672 A GB 2626672A GB 202401047 A GB202401047 A GB 202401047A GB 2626672 A GB2626672 A GB 2626672A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- features
- actuation mechanism
- mechanism according
- sma
- moved
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 20
- 229910001285 shape-memory alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 title description 7
- 241000238631 Hexapoda Species 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 238000005034 decoration Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 229910001000 nickel titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- HLXZNVUGXRDIFK-UHFFFAOYSA-N nickel titanium Chemical compound [Ti].[Ti].[Ti].[Ti].[Ti].[Ti].[Ti].[Ti].[Ti].[Ti].[Ti].[Ni].[Ni].[Ni].[Ni].[Ni].[Ni].[Ni].[Ni].[Ni].[Ni].[Ni].[Ni].[Ni].[Ni] HLXZNVUGXRDIFK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 2
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- -1 copper-aluminium-nickel Chemical compound 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010146 3D printing Methods 0.000 description 1
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910017535 Cu-Al-Ni Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910017773 Cu-Zn-Al Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910018643 Mn—Si Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- HZEWFHLRYVTOIW-UHFFFAOYSA-N [Ti].[Ni] Chemical compound [Ti].[Ni] HZEWFHLRYVTOIW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004049 embossing Methods 0.000 description 1
- PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N gold Chemical compound [Au] PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052737 gold Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010931 gold Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03G7/00—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
- F03G7/06—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like
- F03G7/061—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like characterised by the actuating element
- F03G7/0614—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like characterised by the actuating element using shape memory elements
- F03G7/06143—Wires
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
Abstract
An actuation mechanism 2 for one or more moveable decorative features 4 comprises a spring 34 attached the feature 4, and one or more lengths of SMA wire 40 attached to the feature. A mount 10 houses the spring(s) 34 and length(s) of SMA wire 40 , and a power supply and control system 42, 43 is connected to the SMA wire(s). Under the application of electric current, the SMA wire 40 heats, causing it to return to its pre-formed or remembered shape, against the force of the springs 34, moving the decorative element 4. The decorative feature may be on a headliner, door, or central console of a vehicle, and the decorative element may be for example petals of a flower, leaves of a plant, wings on a bird or insect, limbs on a figure, pages on a book, or folds in fabric. Movement of the decorative element may reveal a functional element such as a handle.
Description
Use of Shape Memory Alloys in Actuation of Kinetic Mechanisms.
Introduction
S The present invention relates kinetic mechanisms, particularly though not exclusively for use in vehicle headliners.
Background to the Invention
It is known to decorate vehicle headliners, in particular headliners in cars, with patterns, colours, embossing, lights or combinations thereof. All of these decorations are static, although lights can be turned on and off creating an effect of movement. While moving parts in headliners are desirable, due to the constrictions assocaited with headliners, such moving parts having not as yet been provided.
Shape-memory alloys (SMAs) are known that can be deformed when cold but return to their pre-formed, or remembered, shape when heated. The most well-known shape-memory alloys are copper-aluminium-nickel and nickel-titanium (NiTi), but SMAs can also be created from certain combinations of zinc, copper, gold and iron, such as such as Fe-Mn-Si, Cu-Zn-Al and Cu-Al-Ni.
It is known to use such materials in actuators. For example, US2008/0216285 describes a stowable handle, which is hidden until actuated using a SMA. U320100237632 describes a latch assembly for a vehicle, in which the latch moves between two positions using a SMA. US 2007/0182146 describes a vehicle member comprising an SMA in combination with a pyrotechnic material, which on discharge, results in the change of shape of the SMA. All of these documents describe external heating applied to the SMA resulting in the change of shape of the SMA. The provision of an external heat source makes such materials difficult and potential cumbersome to use.
The object of the invention is to provide an improved method of creating movement, reducing the number of parts required, to enable miniaturisation.
Summary of the Invention
According to the invention there is provided an actuation mechanism for one or more decorative features comprising:-one or more springs attachable the one or more features to be moved; one or more lengths of SMA wire attached to the one or more features to be moved and/or the one or more springs, the one or more lengths of SMA wires being set into a preformed shape in which the one of more features are held in first position, with the action of the springs urging the one or more SMA wires into a different shape 10 and thus the one or more features to be moved into a second, position; a mount, for housing the one or more springs and one or more lengths of SMA wire; a power supply and control system connected to the one or more lengths of the SMA wire for applying a current through the one of more SMA wires; the arrangement being such that in the absence of a current through the one or more SMA wires, the one or more features to be moved are held in the second position, and on application of a current through the one or more SMA wires, the one or more SMA wires move to their preformed shape, moving the one or more features to be formed to the first position, on removal of the current, the action of the springs urges the one or more SMA wires back to the different shape, thereby moving the one or more features back to the second position.
While it is known that SMAs responds to heat, previously the heat has been applied directly and externally, using some form of external heat source. However, it has been discovered that the heat generated by passing a current through the SMA also causes activation. This can provide a simpler and more controllable means to activate the SMA The length of the SMA wire and the shape thereof will be dependent on the size and shape of the elements to be moved. Usually, the SMA wire will be provided as a loop of wire secured against the element to be moved. Where several elements are to be moved together, the SMA wire may be provided as a long length incorporating several loops, each loop being secured to separate elements to be moved. Alternatively, a separate length may be provided for each of the elements to be moved.
The SMA may be nitinol. Alternatively, it may be another commercially available SMA, such as Flexinol.
Typically, the spring will be a helical spring, although the spring may be a leaf spring, or flat spring. Preferably the helical spring will be an extension or compression spring or a torsion spring. A further preference is to use a coiled spring.
The mount may be provided in two sections, including a first section having a hollow to hold the springs and through which first ends of the springs and the SMA wire can pass. A second section may also be provided to close the hollow, retaining the springs, and through which the SMA wire or connection to the power support and control until can pass. Preferably, second ends of the spring will be secured to the first or second sections of the mount to provide resistance against movement.
The mount may be provided on a substrate, with the substrate provided with apertures to attachment of the power supply and control system. Typically, the substrate will be the part of the body to which the decoration is applied. For example, this may be a headliner of a vehicle, a door or central console of a vehicle, under the bonnet or in the boot of a vehicle, or alternatively may be secured to a structural element such as a roof, door, bonnet or boot of a vehicle.
The feature to be moved may be a decoration, for example part of the decoration such as petals on a flower, leaves on a plant, wings on a bird or insect, limbs on a figure, pages on a book, folds in fabric, or revealing elements of the decoration, such as scenes or folds. Alternatively, the feature to be moved could reveal a functional element, such as a button to access another element. The moving feature may be decorative.
Details To help understanding of the invention, a specific embodiment thereof will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a s perspective view of a cross section of an opening flower according to the invention; and Figure 2 is a perspective view of the separated elements of Figure 1.
Referring to the Figures, thereshown in a flower 2 that may form part of a decorative element, for example a headliner, door or central console in a vehicle. The flower incorporates a series of petals 4 designed to open and close as part of the decorative effect.
The flower is mounted onto a substrate 6, which will be part of the decorated element, for example the roof, headliner, door or central console of the vehicle, or secured thereto The flower 2 is provided on a mount 10 attached to the substrate 6, the mount designed to hold the actuation elements. The mount can be made by 3D printing of a thermoplastic or could be machined or injection moulded. The mount will typically be made of plastic, such as ABS, although it could be made from other materials, such as wood.
The mount 10 is provided in two sections, a first section 12, provided with a hollow 14, for holding and supporting springs 30, and for supporting SMA wire 40 and allowing connection thereof to a power supply and control system 42, 43.
The first section 12 has a series of apertures in the form of slots 16, through which first ends 32 of the springs 30 pass for connection to the SMA wire(s) 40 on the petals 4.
Second ends 34 of the springs are secured into the mount 10.
The second section 20 of the mount closes the hollow 14 in the first section 12 encapsulating the springs 30 and provides an attachment for the springs 30 to provide a stable structure against which the springs 30 can act and hold the second ends 34 of the springs. The second section 20 also has apertures 22 through which the wires 44 for the power and control system 40 can pass.
Retaining clips 46 are provided to secure the SMA wire 40 to the mount 10.
In use, the flower 2 is normally in the closed position, with the petals 4 curled inwards. In response to a control signal, the power 42 is turned on, passing a current through the SMA wire 40. The current heats the wire 40 causing it to revert to its pre-deformed, remembered shape. This acts against the springs 30, moving the petals 4 from their closed position to an open position, apparently opening the flower.
On switching off the current, the SMA quickly looses heat, allowing the action of the springs to return the petals 4 of the flower 2 to their closed position.
The invention is not intended to the limited to the details of the above embodiments. For example, as shown a single length of SMA wire is attached to all of the petals, embodiments, a separate length of SMA wire could be attached to each petal, with all of the wires being connected to the power and control system. Equally, as shown, the SMA is pre-formed to have its remembered shape with the petals open, and thus in its unheated state, the SMA wire is deformed by the action of the springs to close the petals. In other embodiments, the SMA wire or wires could be pre-formed to create closed petals, with the petals being normally held open under the action of the springs. As discussed above, while the embodiment described shows a flower having petals that can open or close, the actuation system can be used to move any other decorative feature, such as leaves or stem on flower and plants, pads of animals or birds, in particular wings, limbs of people or animals, or moving a decorative cover to reveal a hidden feature, for example a decorative scene or a button.
Claims (15)
- Claims 1 An actuation mechanism for one or more decorative features comprising:-one or more springs attachable the one or more features to be moved; one or more lengths of SMA wire attached to the one or more features to be moved and/or the one or more springs, the one or more lengths of SMA wires being set into a preformed shape in which the one of more features are held in first position, with the action of the springs urging the one or more SMA wires into a different shape and thus the one or more features to be moved into a second, position; a mount, for housing the one or more springs and securing the one or more lengths of SMA wire; a power supply and control system connected to the one or more lengths of the SMA wire for applying a current through the one of more SMA wires; the arrangement being such that in the absence of a current through the one or more SMA wires, the one or more features to be moved are held in the second position, and on application of a current through the one or more SMA wires, the one or more SMA wires move to their preformed shape, moving the one or more features to be formed to the first position, on removal of the current, the action of the springs urges the one or more SMA wires back to the different shape, thereby moving the one or more features back to the second position.
- 2. An actuation mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the SMA wire is provided as a loop of wire secured against the element to be moved.
- 3 An actuation mechanism according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein where more than one features to be moved are associated, the SMA wire may be provided as a long length incorporating several loops, each loop being secured to separate features to be moved.
- 4. An actuation mechanism according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein where more than one features to be moved are assocaited, a separate length of SMA wire is provided for each of the features.
- An actuation mechanism according to any preceding claim, wherein the SMA may be nitinol.
- 6 An actuation mechanism according to any preceding claim, wherein the spring is a helical extension spring.
- 7. An actuation mechanism according to any one of claims 1 -5, wherein the spring is a torsion spring.
- 8. An actuation mechanism according to any preceding claim, wherein the mount is provided in two sections.
- 9 An actuation mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the mount comprises a first section having a hollow to hold the springs and through which first ends of the springs and the SMA wire can pass, and a second section that closes the hollow, retaining the springs, and through which the SMA wire or connection to the power support and control until can pass.
- 10.An actuation mechanism according to any preceding claim, wherein second ends of the spring are secured to the mount to provide resistance against movement.
- 11. An actuation mechanism according to any preceding claim, wherein the mount is provided on a substrate, with the substrate provided with apertures to attachment of the power supply and control system.
- 12. An actuation mechanism according to claim 11, wherein the substrate is the part of a body to which the decoration is applied.
- 13.An actuation mechanism according to claim 12, wherein the substrate is a headliner of a vehicle, a door or central console of a vehicle, or a side of an under-bonnet space or boot of a vehicle.
- 14. An actuation mechanism according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more features to be moved is a decoration, for example part of the decoration such as petals on a flower, leaves on a plant, wings on a bird or insect, limbs on a figure, pages on a book, folds in fabric, or revealing elements of the decoration, such as scenes or folds.
- 15. An actuation mechanism according to any one of claims 1 -13, wherein the one or more features to be moved is decorative and movement thereof reveals a functional element.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB2401047.2A GB2626672A (en) | 2024-01-26 | 2024-01-26 | Use of shape memory alloys in actuation of kinetic mechanisms |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB2401047.2A GB2626672A (en) | 2024-01-26 | 2024-01-26 | Use of shape memory alloys in actuation of kinetic mechanisms |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB202401047D0 GB202401047D0 (en) | 2024-03-13 |
| GB2626672A true GB2626672A (en) | 2024-07-31 |
Family
ID=90139634
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB2401047.2A Pending GB2626672A (en) | 2024-01-26 | 2024-01-26 | Use of shape memory alloys in actuation of kinetic mechanisms |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2626672A (en) |
Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001123938A (en) * | 1999-10-27 | 2001-05-08 | Rhythm Watch Co Ltd | Drive unit and trick device |
| JP2004009486A (en) * | 2002-06-06 | 2004-01-15 | Toyo Electric Mfg Co Ltd | Art flower |
| JP2008230007A (en) * | 2007-03-20 | 2008-10-02 | Harveston Co Ltd | Decoration display device |
| US20110175474A1 (en) * | 2010-01-21 | 2011-07-21 | Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. | Compact active material actuated transmissions for driving multiple output loads from a single primary actuator |
| US8350959B2 (en) * | 2006-03-30 | 2013-01-08 | 1 . . . Limited | Camera lens actuation apparatus |
| EP4158194B1 (en) * | 2021-08-13 | 2023-07-19 | Actuator Solutions GmbH | Actuator subassembly controlled by shape memory alloy wires, system comprising a plurality of such subassemblies and control method for such system |
-
2024
- 2024-01-26 GB GB2401047.2A patent/GB2626672A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001123938A (en) * | 1999-10-27 | 2001-05-08 | Rhythm Watch Co Ltd | Drive unit and trick device |
| JP2004009486A (en) * | 2002-06-06 | 2004-01-15 | Toyo Electric Mfg Co Ltd | Art flower |
| US8350959B2 (en) * | 2006-03-30 | 2013-01-08 | 1 . . . Limited | Camera lens actuation apparatus |
| JP2008230007A (en) * | 2007-03-20 | 2008-10-02 | Harveston Co Ltd | Decoration display device |
| US20110175474A1 (en) * | 2010-01-21 | 2011-07-21 | Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. | Compact active material actuated transmissions for driving multiple output loads from a single primary actuator |
| EP4158194B1 (en) * | 2021-08-13 | 2023-07-19 | Actuator Solutions GmbH | Actuator subassembly controlled by shape memory alloy wires, system comprising a plurality of such subassemblies and control method for such system |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB202401047D0 (en) | 2024-03-13 |
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