An artificial hand equipped with a shape memory alloy called muscle has been created that is more flexible and lighter than the current artificial hand. The "muscle fiber" of the hand consists of bundles of ultrafine nickel-titanium wire that can be tensed and bent, allowing the artificial hand to perform more precise movements. The technology could be used in industrial robots as well as new prosthetic limbs.
They will shape memory and the diameter of nickel titanium alloy pull hair filaments, modeled on the human muscle structure and composition of the alloy wire a beam of a bouquet, with multiple strands of wire connection finger joints, simulation of the muscle fiber to make finger positive flexor and extensor on the back, and can rapidly expanding and contracting.
The shape memory alloy, says Mr. Shrek, refers to the metal's ability to 'remember' its shape and return to its original shape after deformation. "This property of Nitinol is due to the phase change within it. For example, the alloy wire conducts electricity when it warms, and the material changes the lattice structure so that it contracts like a muscle.
The current industrial production line of the artificial hand depends on the support of many complex technology and other equipment installation work, such as motor or pneumatic device, become heavy inflexible, have noise and costly. "By contrast, a tool made with smart muscle requires no additional equipment, is lightweight, flexible, adaptable and noiseless, and has relatively low production costs." "Of all the known drive machines, the alloy wires have the highest energy density and can perform high-intensity movements in tightly restricted Spaces," said shrek.
"When you apply a very strong tension, these strands can contract and relax quickly," said study engineer fiona simoni. The reason for this is rapid cooling, because a large number of wire surface area larger, so that heat can spread rapidly. A very thin strand of thread can withstand the force of a human muscle's rapid contraction and stretching, so we can achieve rapid, smooth finger movements.
Another effect of using shape memory and gold wire as muscles is that when the artificial hand is performing a specific action, it can react in a very natural way if it is blocked. That means humans can work with artificial hands. The relative motion of the wire is controlled by a semiconductor chip, which can perform precise motion. This system does not require sensors. "The wires themselves have sensing properties." "The controller can recognize the resistance detection data, so that it knows exactly where the wires are at any given time, allowing the hands and fingers to move with precision," said Mr. Shrek.
