Compact SMA actuator
AssigneeCambridge Mechatronics Limited
InventorsJames Howarth, Andrew Benjamin Simpson Brown, Robin Eddington
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Abstract
Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide an actuator that comprises segments of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wire that can be used to deliver a relatively large output stroke. In particular, two segments of SMA actuator wire may be mechanically coupled together around a corner of a static component of the actuator such that a displacement (e.g. contraction) of one segment causes a displacement (e.g. contraction) of the other segment. In this way, the displacement of each segment combines in an additive manner to generate a large output stroke that is able to move a moveable component of the actuator.
Claims19
An actuator comprising:
- a static component;
- at least one moveable component moveable relative to the static component;
- at least one shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wire coupled to the static component and the moveable component, where a first segment of SMA actuator wire is provided on a first side of the static component, and a second segment of SMA actuator wire is provided on a second side of the static component, the second side being adjacent to the first side;
- wherein the first and second segments of SMA actuator wire are mechanically coupled together in series at a corner of the static component located where the first and second sides meet, whereby contraction of the segments of SMA actuator wire additively combine to generate a total contraction that moves the moveable component;
- and
- wherein the first and second segments of SMA actuator wire are coupled or guided by a corner element at the corner of the static component where the first and second sides meet, and the corner element is a flexure, a post, or a rocking arm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.