DEFORMING SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY USING SELF-REGULATING THERMAL ELEMENTS

摘要

Disclosed herein is an actuator for effectuating a shape memory alloy (SMA). The actuator includes a body including shape memory alloy. The body includes a plurality of segments. The actuator also includes a plurality of heaters that are each configured to maintain a predetermined temperature based on a predetermined resistance of the heater when a voltage is applied to the heater. Each heater of the plurality of heaters is associated with a different segment of the plurality of segments. A segment of the plurality of segments is effectuated in response to increasing a temperature of the heater associated with the segment.