Planar Bending actuator - Technology in Motion

The Curve actuator uses a modern shape memory alloy wire with a so-called two-way effect, which contracts when heated to a defined temperature and elongates again when cooled. Since the actuator consists of a single component and has no relative movements, it moves absolutely continuously and silently. At the same time, it is insensitive to dirt and media such as water and cleaning agents.

Single Shape-Memory-Alloy Wire

Mechanical System

Fully Integrated

At the push of a button
Direct heating by electricity

The active hybrid compounds can be controlled by the use of accumulators or an electrical control system. Another possibility is to build up the active hybrid networks as a self-sufficient system.

Autonomous
External heating near heat sources

Tailor-made Modules with Integrated Actuators for Every Application

The variously adaptable properties of the actuator modules make it possible to match each module to the individual requirements of your innovative application. In total, over 250 configurations are available through a modular manufacturing system. The key to easy product integration are the flexibly designed interfaces for mechanical and electrical integration into your product.

  • Size l * b
  • Excursion path s
  • Load carrying capacity F
  • Electrical resistance R
  • Mechanical interface
  • Electrical interface

Mechanical interface

Electrical interface

Three Moving Modes for Varied Applications

The variously adaptable properties of the actuator modules make it possible to match each module to the individual requirements of your innovative application. In total, over 250 configurations are available through a modular manufacturing system. The key to easy product integration are the flexibly designed interfaces for mechanical and electrical integration into your product.

Actuator Modules enable the integration of different motion principles in components. Three product types will be introduced to the market in the future – Curve®, ReCurve® and BiCurve®.

The product type Curve®, which is scheduled for volume production first, uses a „trained“ shape memory alloy, a so called two-way-effect wire. The wire contracts on heating and expand on cooling. To generate a deflection of the component the wire must be heated and kept at an elevated temperature.

The product type ReCurve®, containing an untrained shape-memory-alloy wire, requires a mechanical deformation of active components in advance. The activation of the actuator resets this deformation.

The product type BiCurve® with a partly pre-stretched shape-memory-alloy wire is an actuation system, consisting of two actuation modules in one component. Both actuation modules work in opposite directions and allow on demand a curvature in one of the two directions by alternating activation. After cooling, a deflected shape is generated and can be hold without energy supply.