A harmonic movable tooth drive system integrated with shape memory alloys

Continuous rotating SMA actuators require motion conversion mechanisms, so their structure is relatively complex and difficult to realize the miniaturization. Here, a new type of continuous rotating actuator driven by SMA is proposed. It combines the movable tooth drive with SMA drive. The structure and working principle of the integrated movable tooth drive system is introduced. The equations of temperature, stress and strain of memory alloy wires, and the output torque of drive system are given. Using these equations, the temperature, the output forces of the SMA wires, and output torque of the drive system are studied. Results show that the compact drive system could give large output torque. To obtain large output torque plus small fluctuation, large eccentricity and small diameter of the SMA wire should be taken. Combined application of ventilation cooling and high current can increase the rotary speed of the drive system.