Design and implementation of a device for the control of polymeric mechanical actuators with shape-memory

Identifier:  TFM:483

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TFM483

Authors:  Baceiredo Ramos, Álvaro

Abstract:
The following project presents the design and implementation of the first experimental prototype of a thermoelectric device for the control of a thermal activation actuator constituted by a shape-memory polymer (SMP). This system will be a potential candidate for functional applications where a light and efficient actuator are required, which are resistant to aggressive environments and can be activated and controlled, minimizing the energy consumption. The system which allows the polymeric material (thiol-epoxy thermoset polymer) to reach the activation temperature, thus ensuring the shape-changing, is based on the heating by Joule’s effect of a conductive mesh (silver ink printed on a Kapton layer), which must be integrated into the polymeric system, acting as a single element, from the mechanical point of view. In the assembling of the group, the system of dual processing of the polymer is carried out, in order to guarantee the compaction. The necessary electrical energy for the thermal activation of the actuator through the heater is supplied by a battery. In addition, an electronic stage based on a single-board microcontroller which controls a load switch, by means of a digital output for pulse-width modulation. This component could be assimilated to an electronic relay which acts as a switch, allowing the regulation of the heating electrical current to the actuator according to the activation speed pretended by the user.