System Design of a Shape Memory Alloy Actuator for Automotive Tumble Flaps

The continuous advance in mechatronics has long attracted researchers towards the development of new highly integrated actuators for automotive applications. Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) offer many favourable characteristics that make this technology very attractive for mechatronic actuators. This paper presents the design, the prototype fabrication and the functional testing of an SMA binary actuator for automotive tumble flaps. The innovative solid-state actuation system is proposed as an alternative to traditional electric or pneumatic effectors used to drive tumble flaps of an air intake manifold for internal combustion engines.