초록 ▼

A joint assembly having a plurality of concatenated joints, each actuated by a negative coefficient of expansion material such Ti Ni, is capable of performing highly dexterous maneuvers in three dimensions without built in torsional stiffness. The Ti Ni actuators are coiled around the body of opposi

A joint assembly having a plurality of concatenated joints, each actuated by a negative coefficient of expansion material such Ti Ni, is capable of performing highly dexterous maneuvers in three dimensions without built in torsional stiffness. The Ti Ni actuators are coiled around the body of opposing joint halves and are capable of maximizing large angular motion while making the joint dimensions as compact as possible. The actuators also operate with low current and thereby minimize heat dissipation.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for moving a joint assembly with a material characterized by a negative coefficient of expansion upon being heated to an activation threshold, comprising the steps of:providing a first joint half;connecting a second joint half with said first joint half for enabl

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for moving a joint assembly with a material characterized by a negative coefficient of expansion upon being heated to an activation threshold, comprising the steps of:providing a first joint half;connecting a second joint half with said first joint half for enabling said joint formed by both halves to be moved with at least one degree of freedom;providing a strip of said negative coefficient of expansion material for transmitting actuating forces to each joint half;reducing the spatial extent of said negative coefficient of expansion material by wrapping one end around the circumference of each joint half;providing electrical connections for resistively heating said strip of negative coefficient of expansion material to an activation threshold.