US 2025/0059959 A1 · ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY

Abstract

An actuator assembly (100) comprises: a support structure (51); a movable part (10) that is movable relative to the support structure; and a set of one or more actuating units (80). Each actuating unit (80) is configured, on actuation, to apply a force on the movable part (10) that is substantially directed along a line in a plane perpendicular to a primary axis (z). Each actuating unit (10) comprises: a force-modifying mechanism (84) connected to one of the support structure (51) and the movable part (10); a coupling link (83) connected between the force-modifying mechanism (84) and the other of the support structure (51) and the movable part (10); and an SMA element (70a) connected between the force-modifying mechanism (84) and the one of the support structure (51) and the movable part (10). The SMA element (70a) is configured to exert an input force on the force-modifying mechanism (84), thereby causing the force-modifying mechanism (84) to apply an output force on the coupling link (83) and causing the coupling link (83) to apply an actuating force on the other of the support structure (51) and the movable part (10). The component of the input force along the primary axis (z) has a greater magnitude than the component of the input force in any direction perpendicular to the primary axis (z).

Claims28

Dependent claims

An actuator assembly comprising:

a support structure;
a movable part that is movable relative to the support structure;
and
a set of one or more actuating units, wherein each actuating unit is configured, on actuation, to apply a force on the movable part that is substantially directed along a line in a plane perpendicular to a primary axis, and wherein each actuating unit comprises:
a force-modifying mechanism connected to one of the support structure and the movable part;
a coupling link connected between the force-modifying mechanism and the other of the support structure and the movable part;
and
a shape memory alloy (SMA) element connected between the force-modifying mechanism and the one of the support structure and the movable part, wherein the SMA element is configured to exert an input force on the force-modifying mechanism, thereby causing the force-modifying mechanism to apply an output force on the coupling link and causing the coupling link to apply an actuating force on the other of the support structure and the movable part, wherein the component of the input force along the primary axis has a greater magnitude than the component of the input force in any direction perpendicular to the primary axis.

5 more elements

An actuator assembly comprising:

a support structure;
a movable part that is movable relative to the support structure;
at least one first shape memory alloy (SMA) element arranged, on actuation, to apply a force on the movable part relative to the support structure along a first axis;
and
at least one actuating unit arranged, on actuation, to apply a force on the movable part with a component along a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are orthogonal to each other, and wherein each actuating unit comprises:
a force-modifying mechanism connected to one of the support structure and the movable part;
a coupling link connected between the force-modifying mechanism and the other of the support structure and the movable part;
and
a second SMA element arranged, on actuation, to exert an input force on the force-modifying mechanism with a component along the first axis, thereby causing the force-modifying mechanism to apply an output force on the coupling link and causing the coupling link to apply an actuating force on the other of the support structure and the movable part with a component along the second axis.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Actuator assembly

Life of this patent

Actuator assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims28