Prototype of Small SMA Actuator Having Cooling Mechanism with Inert Liquids

Abstract

　It is known that shape memory alloy (SMA) is applied as actuator. Single SMA has a function as a sensor and an actuator. Moreover, it has small size, low mass and flexibility. However, there are some problems about heat dissipation for SMA actuators. We therefore focus on a cooling method using inert liquids. The SMA is driven by an electric current and then needs the insulation basically. Inert liquids have electric insulation properties and high heat transfer characteristic. The purpose of this study is to develop a cooling type SMA actuator using the inert liquids. We designed the cooling type SMA actuator and fabricated a prototype of it. In the results, we confirmed a cooling time was largely improved.