A type of actuation used in ancient times, based on twisting wires, is reinvented in this paper. Twisting wires actuation was used long ago to pull heavy objects, but, to the best of the author’s knowledge, this investigation represents the first demonstration of its ability to achieve submicron motion resolution. Twisting wires actuation achieves this high resolution without the use of gears, sliders, high-precision lead screws, etc., thus simplifying the actuation system and eliminating sources of friction. The investigation further proves that the use of two opposing wires drastically reduces the nonlinearity effect inherent in this type of actuation, thus in effect turning the system into a linear one. Several experiments verify the theoretical results.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
Article
Twisting Wire Actuator
Moshe Shoham
Moshe Shoham
Robotics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Technion—Israel Institute of Technology
, Haifa 32000, Israel
Search for other works by this author on:
Moshe Shoham
Robotics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Technion—Israel Institute of Technology
, Haifa 32000, Israel J. Mech. Des. May 2005, 127(3): 441-445 (5 pages)
Published Online: July 7, 2004
Article history
Received:
October 7, 2003
Revised:
July 7, 2004
Citation
Shoham, M. (July 7, 2004). "Twisting Wire Actuator." ASME. J. Mech. Des. May 2005; 127(3): 441–445. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1866156
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Large Language Models for Predicting Empathic Accuracy Between a Designer and a User
J. Mech. Des (April 2025)
Repurposing as a Decommissioning Strategy for Complex Systems: A Systematic Review
J. Mech. Des (May 2025)
A Dataset Generation Framework for Symmetry-Induced Mechanical Metamaterials
J. Mech. Des (April 2025)
Related Articles
Conglomerate Stabilization Curve Design Method for Shape Memory Alloy Wire Actuators With Cyclic Shakedown
J. Mech. Des (November,2011)
Shape memory alloy actuators in smart structures: Modeling and simulation
Appl. Mech. Rev (January,2004)
Experimental Nonlinear Dynamics of a Shape Memory Alloy Wire Bundle Actuator
J. Dyn. Sys., Meas., Control (March,2001)
An Anti-Windup Design for Linear System With Asymptotic Tracking Subjected to Actuator Saturation
J. Dyn. Sys., Meas., Control (June,2000)
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Chapters
Telecom: A Field with Myths and Mistakes All Its Own
More Hot Air
Completing the Picture
Air Engines: The History, Science, and Reality of the Perfect Engine
Design and Analysis a Novel Three Finger Gripper Actuated by SMA Wires
International Conference on Mechanical and Electrical Technology, 3rd, (ICMET-China 2011), Volumes 1–3