Monolithic Shape Memory Alloy Based Micro/Meso Manipulator

这项资助的研究目标是开发一种单片的、拳头大小的设备，用于对尺寸从几微米到几毫米不等的微/中尺度物体进行三维操作。该装置将由形状记忆合金制成，其显著特点是记住其状态。这个想法是将结构，驱动和传感功能集成到一个单一/单片组件中，以低成本提供高可靠性，准确性和稳健性。该机械手将采用一种新颖的选择性激光烧结工艺，通过激光脱模形状记忆合金粉末，并在计算机控制下沉积成所需的形状。还将对机械手的物理和机械性能进行全面调查，并结合其操作过程中发生的形状记忆效应模型。几代原型机械手将被建造和测试。这个项目的直接效益是三重的。构建一种廉价实用的设备，提高微组装型操作的效率，有助于实现未来微制造的桌面工厂。更好地了解基于形状记忆合金的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，促进微型制造技术的教育。

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.