Shape memory alloy actuators and methods thereof
AssigneeHutchinson Technology Incorporated
InventorsMark A. Miller, Nathaniel K. Behning, Dean E. Myers, Michael W. Davis, Ryan N. Ruzicka, Zachary A. Pokornowski, Yasushi Sakamoto
Life of this patent
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Abstract
SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.
Claims18
A bimorph actuator comprising:
- a fixed end including a dielectric layer and a conductive metal base layer, the conductive metal base layer includes a first conductive metal base element and a second conductive metal base element;
- at least one bimorph arm extending from the fixed end, the at least one bimorph arm is made up of the conductive metal base layer;
- at least one free end, each of the at least one free end extending from the at least one bimorph arm;
- and
- one or more SMA material extending between the fixed end and the at least one free end, the first conductive metal base element and the second conductive metal base element are electrically isolated to create an electrical path to the one or more SMA material.
An actuator made up of a dielectric layer and a conductive metal base layer;
- the actuator comprising:
- a fixed end, wherein the conductive metal base layer at the fixed end is separated by gaps defined by the dielectric layer into a first conductive metal base element, a second conductive metal base element, and a common conductive metal base layer;
- at least one bimorph arm extending from the fixed end, the at least one bimorph arm is made up of the common conductive metal base layer and the dielectric layer;
- at least one free end, each of the at least one free end extending from the at least one bimorph arm;
- and
- one or more SMA material extending between the fixed end and the at least one free end, the first conductive metal base element and the second conductive metal base element are electrically isolated to create an electrical path to the one or more SMA material.
A bimorph actuator comprising:
- a fixed end including a dielectric layer and a conductive metal base layer, the conductive metal base layer including at least one first conductive metal base element;
- at least one bimorph arm extending from the fixed end, the at least one bimorph arm is made up of the conductive metal base layer;
- at least one free end, each of the at least one free end extending from the at least one bimorph arm;
- and
- one or more SMA material extending between the fixed end and the at least one free end, the at least one first conductive metal base element is electrically isolated to create an electrical path to the one or more SMA material,
- wherein the at least one free end includes a planar surface extending from the at least one bimorph arm and made up of the conductive metal base layer, and a contact member extending from the planar surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.