Twisting Wire Actuator

A controlled motion actuator system, comprising:

• a movable element;
• at least a first wire whose effective length changes with twist applied thereto, said at least first wire having one end attached to said movable element;
• a first rotary motion shaft attached to a second end of said at least first wire, such that rotation of said shaft generates a twist in said at least first wire, thereby changing its effective length and adjusting the position of said moveable element;
• and
• a controller for providing input control signals to rotate said first rotary motion shaft such that said position of said movable element is determined in accordance with said controller.

A method of providing controlled motion to a moveable element, comprising the steps of:

• providing a movable element whose position is to be controlled;
• attaching to said movable element one end of at least a first wire whose effective length changes with twist applied thereto;
• attaching at least a first rotary motion shaft to a second end of said at least a first wire, the rotation of said shaft being controlled by input signals from a controller;
• and
• applying a controlled twist to said first rotary motion shaft at said second end of said at least first wire, such that the position of said moveable element is adjusted in accordance with said controller.