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Artificial Metal-Based Muscle for Long Strike Actuators

BioMetal Helix

BMX series

The BioMetal Helix (BMX Series) is a biometal micro coil.

It is a linear actuator (linear-motion drive unit) featuring wide-range expansion and contraction.

At room temperature, it is soft and can be elongated with ease.

The BMX, elongated at room temperature, becomes stiff and sharply contracts to its original length when a current is fed through it.

It is again softened by stopping the flow of current. It also contracts if heated by hot air.

The BMX produces a by far greater force when it contracts than does it when it extends at room temperature.

The change in length is nearly 200% of the length of the contracted BMX.

It can be repeatedly used any number of times.

It is ideally suited for millimeter and micrometer size actuators for use in narrow spaces where it is impossible to use motors and pneumatic cylinders.

1.Feature of the BMX Series

Long stroke and production of strong force

A remarkably long stroke, 100%-200% of the length of the contracted BMX.

Although being a very thin actuator, this product produces a very strong force.

Since a wide-range movement can be brought by its simple mechanism, it can be easily incorporated into the design of systems for a wide variety of applications.
 

   Smooth, pliable operation

The BMX moves without generating any vibration or sound.

Unlike the solenoid (electromagnet), it produces the greatest force at the start point and the force produced changes only slightly over the long displacement interval.

Its capability can be fully utilized when it is used for the resetting mechanism of latches and locks and for micro servo actuators.
 

  Operation at low voltage and low power

The BMX can be moved merely by connecting it to a cell after stretching it lightly.No special drive circuit is necessary. It can be safely used because it can be driven by a low voltage. The drive current required is very small. Fine adjustment of motion can be made by using a PWM power control circuit. The BMX, which moves responding to temperature changes, can also be utilized as a thermostat-like actuator.

Needless to say, it can also be moved by heating it by a hot air blower.

 

  Ideal for milll and micro size mechanisms

The forced produced by the BMX is directly proportional to its cross-sectional area.

Although small in size, the BMX k capable of producing a strong force and less susceptible to friction and viscosity than motors and solenoids.

The BMX's material itself is an actuator. It can be used even when cut short. Since being small, thin, and simple in construction, it is ideality suited for use in milli and micro size mechanisms. It is the only powerful actuator available that can be incorporated in thin IC cards and chips.

2. Application of the BMX Series

 

  • Ultra-small actuators

  • Ultra-thin actuators

  • Ultra-small temperatures switches

  • Flexible actuators

  • Actuators for toys and models

 

Note:

The BMX series is not suited for the following applications

  • Application where high-speed repetitive operations are required(The BMX can move at high speed only in the contracting direction.)

  • Movement of heavy load

  • Mechanism of a size following the use of a motor

  • Applications where the temperature can rise to above 55 ˚C

  • Prolonged use in water

 

3. Major Characteristics and Specifications of the BMX Series

  • The number following BMX in the product name is the value d its diameter expressed in  micrometers. For example, the BMX100 has a diameter of 0.1mm. For any type of BMX, the coil diameter -to-wire diameter ratio is about 4.

  • The BMF is uniform in the longitudinal direction. For this reason, most of the numerical data in the table are determined with reference to the unit length (1 m) of the BMX.

  • The kinetic distortion is represented by the ratio in percentage of the displacement (contraction or expansion) of the BMF to its total length.

  • The numerical data in the table are standard values used as a guide for device design. The actual performance characteristics may differ from them, depending on the operating conditions .

  • The numerical data in the table are not guaranteed values but reference values.

  • The actual numerical data may be varied by improvement of the BMX. There are also slight variations between lots.

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  • The service life of the BMX is closely associated with the magnitude of the load and the kinetic distortion. It has s track record of having more than five million reciprocating motions under appropriate load and movement conditions (Example:BMX150. Eight million motions completed at the load of 30 gf and at the kinetic distortion of 50%.)
     

  • The BMX makes non-linear, asymmetric motions (contractions and expansions). It can be increased to some extent by increasing the bias. In that case, however, the service life of the BMX may be shortened. There is no lower limit of operation temperature.

  • The current required for driving by heat increases with decreasing ambient temperature.

 

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