Design and Modeling of a Simple-Structured Continuously Variable Transmission Utilizing Shape Memory Alloy Superelasticity for Twisted String Actuator
Chanchan Xu, Shuai Dong, Xiaojie Wang · arXiv · 2025
A simple CVT for twisted string actuators is proposed using two superelastic SMA rods whose load-dependent deformation enables continuous transmission-ratio variation.
Plain English summary
Why this matters
Key findings
- Proposed a lightweight, simple-structured CVT mechanism for twisted string actuators using superelastic SMA rods.
- The CVT uses only two superelastic SMA rods to connect twisted strings and adjust inter-string distance under load.
- A comprehensive theoretical model is developed to capture nonlinear behavior (three critical nonlinearities are mentioned).
Limitations
The abstract provides a theoretical modeling approach but does not state experimental validation, prototype testing, or performance metrics. It also does not specify the three nonlinearities in the provided text.
Publication
- Publisher
- arXiv
- Publication date
- December 23, 2025
- Research type
- Preprint
- arXiv
- 2512.20342
- Access
- open
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