Design and implementation of a portable amagnetic shape memory rotary actuator

Actuators based on standard technologies often do not comply with environmental constraints on electromagnetic noise. Even though shape memory actuators are not ferromagnetic, activation by Joule’s effect poses a question about magnetic compatibility. This article presents a new concept design of a rotary actuator based on a double coil of NiTi wire, which permits to abate dramatically the electromagnetic fields generated. A particular implementation of the idea was devised as a case study to investigate feasibility. The desired torque and stroke were 83 N cm and 40°, respectively, and mechanical tests confirmed that a maximal stroke of 38° can be achieved for resisting torques ranging from 33 to 122 N cm. The built prototype proved appropriate to respond to the needs of a neuroscience study requiring mobilization of the ankle. So, this device was tested during measurement of brain activity in healthy subjects with both magnetoencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging, that is, diagnostic equipment with very demanding constraints on electromagnetic noise. Neither magnetoencephalography signals nor the functional magnetic resonance imaging images were affected by any electromagnetic noise or artifacts, allowing for further analysis and extraction of neurological features. Besides the discussed uses, this type of actuator could find an application in several fields, such as biomedical, robotic, aerospace, or automotive.