Evaluation of Shape Memory Alloy Bulk Actuators for Wear Compensation in Ball Screw Drives

For this purpose, a novel shape memory alloy (SMA) bulk actuator module for ball screw drives is designed. The device is developed to be implemented in standard drives without major changes in component design. It is installed between flanged nut and counter nut and replaces a spacer usually needed to set a defined preload. To achieve the required actuator performance SMA bulk actuators are investigated in detail. This covers their basic design and activation concepts. A prototype is designed and experimentally investigated; measurements show the proof of the concept..