Lecco Unit has skills in the design and realization of active/passive devices and components based on Shape Memory Alloys (by CAD 2D and 3D softwares, 3D prototyping, lathes and countersinks, and numerical simulation), in the calorimetric and chemical-physical analysis of the single SMA element, and in the functional characterization of the final device by the realization of specific experimental set-up.
In the last years, several prototypes have been developed for different applications like the Biomedical, Aerospace, Astrophysics, Mechanical and Civil ones. The development of these devices has been carried out in projects within Lombardia Region and thanks to several partnerships with the Politecnico di Milano (Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia Aerospaziali, Dipartimento di Meccanica, Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile e Ambientale, Dipartimento di Materiali, Chimica e Ingegneria Chimica e Dipartimento di Bioingegneria) and with the l’INAF-OAB of Merate; furthermore, several prototypes have been developed together with Italian companies (Agusta Westland, Maggi Catene, ODE, SORIN Biomedica Cardio, CID Vascular, Alvimedica, Epygon, Cormove, Medtronic-Invatec, BTC Medical, Praesidia, ProMev, Technosprings, L.I.F.E., Idrogenet, BTC, SELEX ES, EFFEBI).
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SMA-based flexible joints for hexapod in astronomical applications (with INAF-OAB di Merate)
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Pseudoelastic components for optomechanical mounting (with INAF-OAB di Merate)
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Nemesys rover prototypes (with Politecnico di Milano - Dip. Aerospaziale)
In the following, some prototypes that are currently under studying:
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civil damper;
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antagonist actuators for Nemesys rover;
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high frequency peristaltic actuator;
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bidirectional modular device (pin/puller);
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morphing of corrugated for Aerospace applications based on SMA elements;
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pseudoelastic components for optomechanical mounting;
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suturing devices;
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implants;
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diagnostic and surgical instrumentations.
Shape memory alloy miniature actuators (Mind in Italy project)
One-way and two-way shape memory alloy sensors (Spider@Lecco projects)
Civil damper (INTEGRATE project)
Shape memory alloy suture (with ProMev srl)
SMA composite with high damping capacity for Railway Collector of high-speed trains
Further devices have been developed within Master Degree and PHD thesis.
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RECENT PUBLICATIONS:
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Nespoli, V. Dallolio, E. Villa, F. Passaretti
A new design of a Nitinol ring-like wire for suturing in deep surgical field
Material Science and Engineering C ( 2015), Materials Science and Engineering C 56 (2015) 30–36
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E Borlandelli, D Scarselli, A Nespoli, D Rigamonti, P Bettini, M Morandini, E Villa, G Sala, M Quadrio
Design and experimental characterization of a NiTi-based, high-frequency, centripetal peristaltic actuator
Smart Materials and Structures (2015) 10.1088/0964-1726/24/3/035008
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Nespoli, D. Rigamonti, E. Villa, F. Passaretti.
Design, characterization and perspectives of shape memory alloy elements in miniature sensor proof of concept
Sensors and Actuators A 218 (2014) 142–153
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M. Bocciolone, M. Carnevale, A. Collina, N. Lecis, A. Lo Conte, B. Previtali, CA Biffi, P. Bassani, A. Tuissi
Design for the Damping of a Railway Collector Based on the Application of ShapeMemory Alloys
Smart Materials Research (2012)
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Nespoli, S. Besseghini, S. Pittaccio, E. Villa, S. Viscuso
The high potential of shape memory alloys in developing miniature mechanical devices: A review on shape memory alloy mini-actuators
Sens. Actuators A: Phys. 158 (2010) 149-160
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PROJECTS:
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Projects within MIUR-Regione Lombardia partnership:
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De-Light: De-Icing System for LIGHT – Intermediate Class Helicopter
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SHREK-Shockless release kinematic
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Projects within Regione Lombardia-CNR partnership:
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INTEGRATE – INnovazioni TEcnologiche per una Gestione RAzionale del Tessuto Edilizio
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Mind in Italy - Progetto 3 "Processi high tech e prodotti orientati al consumatore per la competitività del manifatturiero lombardo"
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Fondazione Cariplo projects:
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HINT@Lecco - Sindrome Post Polio: messa a punto una linea guida di valutazione clinico-strumentale per la diagnosi di sindrome post-polio e ricerca di base ed applicazioni tecnologiche di materiali innovativi in particolare per i Post Polio Survivors
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Spider@Lecco - Servizi e Percorsi Innovativi che Definiscono un Ecosistema Riabilitativo
