Design and Fabrication of Temperature Sensing Mechanical Actuator using Shape Memory Alloy
January 2017 - May 2017, SSN College of Engineering
Part of ME6612: Design and Fabrication junior year project in undergrad. Designed and fabricated a mechanical actuator that operates a valve based on the temperature detected. Temperature sensing properties were detected using the shape transition properties of Ni-Ti shape memory alloy.
Version 1
Preliminary design to accommodate valve motion based on actuation of two springs- one made from shape memory alloy (SMA) and the other, a typical coil spring.
On reaching phase transition temperature, the Ni-Ti SMA contracts causing the valve to be closed. This way liquids aren’t administered when they are too hot. Once it cools down, the spring loses its actuation and the valve opens due to the coil spring.
Version 2
Uses a series of linkage mechanisms to actuate the valve in the cap of the container causing a twisting mechanism. This causes the twist valve to prevent flow of fluid.
At lower temperatures, the coil spring moves the link in the opposite direction opening the valve.
Fabrication
Version 2 was fabricated by 3D Printing. Standard SLA printer was used to create the product and was made in verowhite.
