Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering

Structural Analysis of a Cylindrical Superelastic Shape Memory Alloy Ligation Clip: Sang Wook Lee, Jae Hoon Kim, Jae Sung Cha, Ji Hoon Kang; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2025;42(11):959-964.
Published online November 1, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.025.083

Abstract
PDF

This study outlines a structural design process for a cylindrical superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) ligation clip. Although polymer-based clips are widely used, they face challenges related to long-term stability and limited radiopacity, highlighting the necessity for metal clips. By systematically modifying two key design variables—the hole offset ratio and the cut-off ratio—the proposed clip effectively reduces excessive stress concentration and enhances superelastic behavior. Finite element analyses indicate that the stress deviation in the two cross-sectional deformation regions decreased by 83.9%, and the martensitic transformation remained confined to a small area, demonstrating robust strain recovery within the superelastic range. In conclusion, the improved SMA clip successfully withstood internal pressures exceeding 15 psi without leakage, showcasing its superior ligation performance and potential for durable, reliable use in minimally invasive surgical procedures.

55 View
4 Download

Design, Fabrication, and Control of a Rotary Manipulator driven by Twisted Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Wires: Gil-Yong Lee, Su-Yeon Lee; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2023;40(8):665-673.
Published online August 1, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.023.039

Abstract
PDF

The objective of this study was to present a rotary manipulating system driven by a rotary actuator based on twisted shape memory alloy (SMA) wires. The rotary actuator was composed of two oppositely twisted SMA wires connecting a rotor and a stator through a shaft. Two oppositely twisted SMA wires could generate bidirectional rotary motions upon actuation of each twisted SMA wire corresponding to the direction against the twist direction of each SMA wire. A manipulator was designed and fabricated by integrating manipulating arms, the rotary actuator, and a Hall effect magnetic rotary encoder which could measure the angular position of the rotary motion. We modeled and characterized the manipulator upon application of a ramp current input to each twisted SMA wire. A proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller was designed and implemented to control the proposed rotary manipulator. Reference angular position tracking performances of the manipulator were evaluated with a series of experiments.

25 View
0 Download

Design and Fabrication of a Millimeter-Scale Rotary Actuator based on the Twisted Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Wires: Eun-Jeong Jang, Su-Yeon Lee, Kyung-Hwan Kim, Gil-Yong Lee; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2022;39(6):403-410.
Published online June 1, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.022.034

Abstract
PDF

Shape memory alloy (SMA) has been widely used for many engineering and scientific applications, because it is largely deformable with high power density, and can be actuated easily by resistive heating. It is possible to reduce the size of the actuators by integrating or embedding SMA into the structures. While many applications have been reported regarding linear or bending actuators using the SMA wire, the development of a rotary actuator remains important and challenging for the engineering applications. Here, a new type of millimeter-scale rotary actuator is proposed based on the twisted SMA wires. SMA wires are twisted, folded, and integrated into the rotary actuator, and simple change of the twist direction enables the rotary actuator to rotate in the opposite direction. By integrating the oppositely twisted SMA wires into one rotary actuator unit, bidirectional rotary motions are possible. The actuation mechanism, design, and fabrication processes of the proposed rotary actuator are presented and demonstrated with its actuation performance. The fabricated actuators had average rotary working ranges from -38.68±4.92 deg to +45.37±8.79 deg in counterclockwise (CCW) and clockwise (CW) directions. This study will leverage the practical advances in the relevant engineering and scientific applications.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

A Novel Force-Couple SMA Rotary Actuator for MEMS Safety and Arming Device
Yun Cao, Zeyi Chai, Yikang Huang, Mo Yang, Hengbo Zhu, Weirong Nie, Zhanwen Xi
IEEE Sensors Journal.2025; 25(19): 35879. CrossRef
Multi-field coupled dynamics for a movable tooth drive system integrated with shape memory alloys
Lizhong Xu, Zhenglong Fu
Heliyon.2023; 9(7): e17531. CrossRef
Design, Fabrication, and Control of a Rotary Manipulator driven by Twisted Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Wires
Gil-Yong Lee, Su-Yeon Lee
Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering.2023; 40(8): 665. CrossRef
Largely deformable torsional soft morphing actuator created by twisted shape memory alloy wire and its application to a soft morphing wing
Su-Yeon Lee, Gil-Yong Lee
Scientific Reports.2023;[Epub] CrossRef

42 View
0 Download
Crossref

Design and Evaluation of Soft Actuators Including Stretchable Conductive Fibers: Hye Won Lee, Yeji Han, Minchae Kang, Ju-Hee Lee, Min-Woo Han; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2022;39(4):307-313.
Published online April 1, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.021.113

Abstract
PDF

In this study, soft actuators comprising conductive fibers, flexible polymers, and shape memory alloys, which can be used as textile products, are introduced. Conductive fibers play an important role because they can be used as sensors in wearable devices. The conductive fiber introduced in this study is a form that can be combined with a polymer, and it comprises a form wrapped around a flexible polymer. When an electric current is applied to the shape memory alloy embedded in the polymer, macroscopic deformation occurs due to phase transformation from the Martensite to the Austenite phase. Conductive fibers used in soft actuators are affected by resistive heat generated by the shape memory alloy and bending deformation of the actuator. Accordingly, changes in the conduction properties of conductive fibers were observed due to bending deformation and temperature changes. We also fabricated soft actuators with different types of polymers and observed the differences. The soft actuator presented in this study is a one-piece combination of a conductor and an actuator using a textile-type conductor, and it is likely to be used in smart clothing applications.

32 View
0 Download

Fabrication of Miniature High-Speed Actuator Capable of Biomimetic Flapping Motions: Min-Sik Kim, Sung-Hyuk Song, Min-Woo Han, Won-Shik Chu, Sung-Hoon Ahn; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2017;34(9):597-602.
Published online September 1, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/KSPE.2017.34.9.597

Abstract
PDF

Beyond conventional military products, technologies in the defense industry sectors around the globe are integrated and fused with newly emerging technologies such as three-dimensional printing (3DP) and smart material fabrication. Acknowledging these trends, this study proposes a miniature high-speed actuator whose fabrication process entails 3DP, smart materials, and shape memory alloy. The manufactured actuator is 25 mm long and 5 mm wide in and weighs 2.5 g, having the optimal frequency in the range of 35-40 Hz. Force and deformation measurement were also conducted, resulting in the lift force of 0.18 N per second with a bending deformation of 5 mm.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Bidirectional rotational antagonistic shape memory alloy actuators for high-frequency artificial muscles
Rawan Barakat, Susanne-Marie Kirsch, Felix Welsch, Paul Motzki
Scientific Reports.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Design and Evaluation of Soft Actuators Including Stretchable Conductive Fibers
Hye Won Lee, Yeji Han, Minchae Kang, Ju-Hee Lee, Min-Woo Han
Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering.2022; 39(4): 307. CrossRef
Review of Soft Actuator Materials
Jaehwan Kim, Jung Woong Kim, Hyun Chan Kim, Lindong Zhai, Hyun-U Ko, Ruth M. Muthoka
International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing.2019; 20(12): 2221. CrossRef