Self-adjusting wearables

Abstract

Advances in self-Adjusting wearables have been made possible with the use of actuator "springs" fabricated from shape memory alloy (SMA) wire. These actuators are effective in compressing or closing a garment. However, once the actuator power source is disconnected the actuators can stretch out and displace from the actuated position from the existing counterforces. In this paper a variable control latching mechanism will be presented and discussed for use as a method of "locking" and fastening these actuators in place to prevent displacement.