Monolithic Shape Memory Alloy Based Micro/Meso Manipulator

这项拨款的研究目标是开发一种单片，拳头大小的装置，用于微/中尺度物体的三维操纵，尺寸从几微米到几毫米不等。该装置将由形状记忆合金制成，其显著特征是记住其状态。该想法是将结构、致动和感测功能集成到单个/单片部件中，该部件将以低成本提供高可靠性、准确性和鲁棒性。机械手将通过一种新型的选择性激光烧结工艺制造，通过该工艺，形状记忆合金粉末由激光熔化，并在计算机控制下沉积成所需的形状。机械手的物理和机械性能的全面调查，结合其操作过程中发生的形状记忆效应的模型，也将进行。将建造和测试几代原型机械手。这个项目的直接好处有三个方面。将建立一个廉价的实用设备，将提高微组装型操作的效率，并有助于实现未来的桌面工厂的微型制造。更好地理解形状记忆合金基器件的可制造性和操作将增加知识库。研究结果将纳入正在进行的课程，并通过期刊文章、研讨会、报告、短期课程、互联网等传播，促进微型制造技术教育。

The research objective of this grant is to develop a monolithic, fist-sized, device for the three-dimensional manipulation of micro/meso-scale objects, ranging in size from several microns to several millimeters. The device will be built of a shape memory alloy whose salient feature is to remember its state. The idea is to integrate structural, actuation and sensing functions into a single/monolithic component that will provide for high reliability, accuracy and robustness at a low cost. The manipulator will be built by a novel Selective Laser Sintering process by which shape memory alloy powder is molted by the laser and deposited under computer control in the required shapes. A comprehensive investigation of the physical and mechanical properties of the manipulator, in conjunction with models of the shape memory effects taking place during its operation, will also be undertaken. Several generations of prototype manipulators will be built and tested. The direct benefits of this project are threefold. An inexpensive pragmatic device that will enhance the efficiency of micro-assembly type of operations and contribute to the realization of tabletop factories of the future for micro manufacturing will be built. A better understanding of the manufacturability and operation of shape memory alloy based devices will add to the knowledge base. The findings will be incorporated into ongoing courses and disseminated through journal articles, seminars, reports, short courses, Internet, etc. contributing to education in micro-manufacturing technologies.