Actuator assembly

Abstract

An actuator assembly (2) comprising: a first part (10); a second part (20) that is movable relative to the first part; and one or more actuating units (30) each configured, on actuation, to apply a respective actuating force (F) to the second part capable of moving the second part relative to the first part, and wherein each actuating unit comprises: a body portion (31) arranged, upon actuation of the one or more actuating units, to move along a path in an actuating plane within a range of expected movement; a force-modifying flexure (32) connected between the body portion and the first part; an SMA element (34) connected between the body portion and the first part, wherein the SMA element is arranged, on actuation, to apply an input force (Fi) to the body portion capable of deforming the force-modifying flexure such that the actuating force is applied to the second part; further comprising at least one endstop (50) between each actuating unit and the first part, wherein the at least one endstop is configured to engage upon movement of the body portion in the actuating plane beyond the range of expected movement.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.