Actuator with shape memory alloy elements for operating a valve

An assembly, comprising:

• a frame configured to couple to a valve;
• a holder extending from a surface of the frame;
• an actuating arm movably coupled to the frame and configured to move a movable component of the valve to adjust a position of the movable component;
• a biasing member coupled to the actuating arm and the frame, the biasing member configured to bias the actuating arm in a first direction relative to the frame;
• and
• multiple shape memory alloy (SMA) elements coupled to the actuating arm and the holder, the multiple SMA elements aligned in parallel with each other, wherein responsive to an activation by an electric current applied to the multiple SMA elements that causes the multiple SMA elements to undergo a dimensional transformation, the multiple SMA elements are configured to collectively apply a force to operate against the biasing member to bias the actuating arm in a second direction opposite the first direction relative to the frame.

A method of controlling a valve, the method comprising:

• providing an actuating arm movably coupled to a frame for the valve and configured to move a movable component of the valve to adjust a position of the movable component;
• providing a biasing member coupled to the actuating arm and the frame, the biasing member configured to bias the actuating arm in a first direction relative to the frame;
• providing a holder extending from a surface of the frame;
• selectively activating multiple shape memory alloy (SMA) elements coupled to the actuating arm and the holder, the multiple SMA elements aligned in parallel with each other, wherein responsive to the activation, the multiple SMA elements undergo a dimensional transformation, such that the multiple SMA elements collectively apply a force to operate against the biasing member to bias the actuating arm in a second direction opposite the first direction relative to the frame;
• and
• converting a first stroke length of the actuating arm to a second stroke length greater than the first stroke length and providing the second stroke length to the movable component.