Flexible Nitinol Glove Controlled with Ardiuno

Projects General Guidance
1

Hey guys!

I'm conducting a fun project using Flexinol (200 µm) and I'm trying to figure out the control architecture behind it. (I am not an electrical engineer :). Essentially I want to create a flexible glove with nitinol as the pulling force. The finger design will be similar to this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91TvOf4js5c (Skip to 0.30). Instead of the string displayed, I want to use the nitinol there instead. As it contracts, the silicone will be pulled with the nitinol and the use of semi rigid and flexible silicone with ensure that the finger contracts according to human anatomy.

The only project we have seen using an Arduino to control the Nitinol is this video and we are trying to recreate it but we aren't sure about the control architecture.

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZODqKLe44xI
    For example, what type of MOSFET do we use, how do we know which one to use, and why do we need one. Specifications of the Nitinol include:
    -Linear Resistance (Ω/m): 31
    -Recommended Current(mA): 610
    -Recommended Power (W/m): 12.0

We could really use some help as we were also open to any ideas for the antagonistic force (or the force opposing the wire so that it can return to its original shape). We were thinking of using a motor which would be placed on the wrist and a string on the edge of each finger. When the nitinol is heated, the motor will then pull the string which pulls the fingers back to place. (For this would we need a MOSFET too?)

Willing to buy any needed materials and any help would be very appreciated!

2

Please tell the forum about your previous experience with Arduino or other MCUs, and coding. Thanks for describing your level of electronic engineering experience.

4

Sure! I've only done around 2-3 basic projects with an Ardiuno so I have a very beginner understanding of it. I am a student so my level of expertise isn't high.

5

Pullback motor.

6

Could you explain how its applicable?

7

You asked for stored energy.

8

That is a great idea actually! How could I put it in to a finger (of a glove) and not include wheels.

9

IMG_3099 (1)
IMG_3099 (1)1920×1519 121 KB

10

I imagine a force would pull on a wire against the released energy to store energy in the "pullcar" (similar mechanism used in Trebuchet). The wire is then release, and so is the stored energy.

11

@becca99928283 ,

I have deleted your hijack of another topic. Please do not add your questions to other people's topics and do not create more than 1 topic for the same question.

Please read the forum guide, which can be found at the top of every forum category.

Thank you

12

So sorry! I am new to the forum. What do you mean by creating 1 topic for the same question so I don't repeat it again?

13

You have created 1 topic for your question, don't create another one and don't add your questions to other people's topics.

I know you are new, that's why there's a topic about how to get the best out of this forum, it's at the top of every forum category.

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