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US 11,782,287 B2Granted
Shape memory alloy actuator bearings
AssigneeCambridge Mechatronics Limited
InventorsRobin Eddington, James Howarth
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments of the present techniques provide methods for assembling and manufacturing shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator assemblies, which may also advantageously simplify the process of, speed-up the process of and/or reduce the cost of manufacturing SMA actuator assemblies.
Claims48
A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuation apparatus comprising:
- a support structure;
- a moveable component supported on the support structure in a manner allowing movement of the moveable component relative to the support structure in two orthogonal directions perpendicular to a notional primary axis extending through the moveable component, the moveable component comprising a spring plate;
- and
- at least two shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wires connected between the moveable component and the support structure and arranged to, on contraction, move the moveable component;
- wherein the support structure comprises a bearing sub-assembly comprising:
- a sacrificial body portion, and
- a plurality of metallic bearings arranged to allow movement of the plate of the moveable component relative to the support structure, the metallic bearings held apart by the sacrificial body portion,
- the sacrificial body portion being removable from the plurality of metallic bearings during manufacture/assembly of the SMA actuation apparatus.
5 more elements
A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuation apparatus comprising:
- a support structure comprising wire attach structures and a support component separate from the wire attach structures;
- a moveable component supported on the support structure in a manner allowing movement of the moveable component relative to the support structure in two orthogonal directions perpendicular to a notional primary axis extending through the moveable component, the moveable component comprising a spring plate;
- and
- at least two shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wires connected between the moveable component and the wire attach structures of the support structure and arranged to, on contraction, move the moveable component;
- the support component comprising a plurality of integrated bearings integrally formed with the support component arranged to allow movement of the moveable component relative to the support structure.
2 more elements
A method for manufacturing a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuation apparatus comprising:
- providing a first sheet of material comprising a plurality of support components, each support component comprising a plurality of integrated bearings formed integrally with the respective support component;
- providing a second sheet of material comprising a plurality of conductive components;
- aligning the second sheet of material over the first sheet of material such that each of the conductive components is provided on top of a support component;
- and
- attaching the first sheet of material to the second sheet of material to form a plurality of support structures each comprising a conductive component attached to a support component;
- detaching, from the attached first and second sheets of material, a support structure, the support structure comprising a wire attach structure separate from the support component;
- providing a moveable component supported on the support structure in a manner allowing movement of the moveable component relative to the support structure in two orthogonal directions perpendicular to a notional primary axis extending through the moveable component, the moveable component comprising a spring plate arranged to contact the integrated bearings of the support structure;
- and
- providing at least two shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wires connected between the moveable component and the wire attach structure of the support structure and arranged to, on contraction, move the moveable component.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.