Method And Apparatus For Shape Memory Alloy Bender Actuator

An apparatus, comprising:

• a camera housing;
• a lens section movably connected to the camera housing;
• and
• an actuator comprising a retention end and a contact end, wherein the contact end is at the lens section, wherein the actuator comprises a shape memory alloy member, wherein a first end of the shape memory alloy member is at the retention end, wherein a second end of the shape memory alloy member is at the contact end, wherein the shape memory alloy member is configured to deform when an electrical current is applied to the shape memory alloy member, and wherein the contact end is configured to exert a force on the lens section in response to the deformation of the shape memory alloy member.

A method, comprising:

• providing a retention portion, wherein the retention portion is configured to be connected to a stationary member;
• providing a contact portion opposite the retention portion, wherein the contact portion is configured to be connected to a movable camera lens member;
• connecting a shape memory alloy member between the retention portion and the contact portion, wherein the shape memory alloy member comprises a first length;
• and
• connecting a resilient member between the retention portion and the contact portion, wherein the resilient member is substantially parallel to the shape memory alloy member, wherein the resilient member comprises a second length, and wherein the second length is substantially equal to the first length;
• wherein the shape memory alloy member is configured to deform when an electrical current is applied to the shape memory alloy member, and wherein the contact portion is configured to move in response to the deformation of the shape memory alloy member.