Vehicle storage compartment latch assemblies with shape memory alloy actuator

A latch assembly, comprising:

• at least one locking bar configured to be movable into
• (i) an engaged configuration with a storage compartment of a vehicle which enables an access door to be placed and held into a closed position and
• (ii) a disengaged configuration with the storage compartment to be placed into an opened position;
• and
• at least one shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator, wherein
• the SMA actuator is configured to move the locking bar into the disengaged configuration to permit the access door of the storage compartment in the vehicle to open or be opened,
• the SMA actuator comprises at least one SMA wire guided around at least one translatable conductive pulley,
• the SMA actuator becomes electrically energized when power is supplied to a plate and the conductive pulley is in electrical contact with the plate, and
• the SMA actuator becomes electrically de-energized when the conductive pulley is translated off the plate.