Implementation of Shape Memory Alloys as Active Elements in Injuries Recuperative Equipment

Abstract

Entire or partial loss of function in the shoulder, elbow or wrist represent an increasingly common ailment connected to a wide range of injuries or other conditions including sports, occupational, spinal cord injuries or strokes. A general treatment of these problems relies on physiotherapy procedures. An increasing number of metallic materials are continuously being developed to expect the requirements for different engineering applications including biomedical field. Few constructive models that can involve intelligent materials are analyzed to establish the advantages in usage of shape memory elements mechanical implementation. The shape memory effect, superelasticity and damping capacity are unique characteristics at metallic alloys which demand careful consideration in both design and manufacturing processes. The actual rehabilitation systems can be improved using smart elements in motorized equipments like robotic systems. Shape memory alloys, especially NiTi (nitinol), represent a very good alternative for actuation in equipments with moving dispositive based on very good actuation properties, low mass, small size, safety and user friendliness. In this article the actuation and the force characteristics were analyzed to investigate a relationship between the bending angle and the actuation real value.