A new type of storage tray developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology (IWU) appears only when it is needed. The tray is made from a shape-memory alloy and was developed together with supplier Brose.
Multilayered, laminated structure with integrated actuator, sensor technology and control electronics.
Fraunhofer IWU
The shape-memory alloy tray is stored discreetly in the dashboard and appears only when it is needed. Shape-memory alloys can be deformed into a shape which they then keep, but return to their original shape when heated. The dish-shaped tray assumes its shape when the relevant sensor registers movement. "The tray open outs like an origami figure. This works by means of a shape-memory alloy," says Lukas Boxberger, group manager at Fraunhofer IWU. Current then flows through the wires of the shape-memory alloy which connects the adjacent corners of the square tray. As the wires are heated, the corners return to their original position towards the middle of the tray, thus forming a dish shape.
Variable tray for car-share interiors
So far, the shape-memory alloy has been able to undergo three million movement cycles without showing fatigue. According to the researchers, the variable tray could be very useful for the car sharing sector in particular. To this end, there are plans to develop more shapes using different materials such as wood veneer or textiles. Injection moulding or a roll-to-roll process could be used to manufacture the storage trays.