Devices with mechanical drivers for displaceable elements

A device, comprising:

• a displaceable element;
• a driver comprising a plurality of actuatable drive elements each having a respective engagement area operable to move from a respective start position to a respective end position and back to the start position, wherein during movement from the start position to the end position the engagement area is engaged with the displaceable element and applies a mechanical force urging the displaceable element to move, and during movement from the end position to the start position the engagement area is disengaged from the displaceable element,
• wherein the driver comprises for each drive element a drive mechanism configured to urge the engagement area of an associated drive element to shift laterally in a first direction during movement of the engagement area from the start position to the end position and to shift laterally in a second direction during movement of the engagement area from the end position to the start position, wherein each drive element has a magnetic polarization and each drive mechanism is configured to generate a magnetic field urging the associated drive element to shift laterally;
• and
• a controller configured to choreograph the operation of the actuatable drive elements in moving the displaceable element.

A device, comprising:

• a displaceable element;
• a driver comprising a plurality of actuatable drive elements each having a respective engagement area operable to move from a respective start position to a respective end position and back to the start position, wherein during movement from the start position to the end position the engagement area is engaged with the displaceable element and applies a mechanical force urging the displaceable element to move, and during movement from the end position to the start position the engagement area is disengaged from the displaceable element,
• wherein the driver comprises for each drive element
• a clutch mechanism configured to selectively urge the engagement area of the associated drive element to shift longitudinally into and out of engagement with the displaceable element, and
• a driver configured to urge the engagement area of an associated drive element to shift laterally in a first direction during movement of the engagement area from the start position to the end position and to shift laterally in a second direction during movement of the engagement area from the end position to the start position,
• wherein each drive element comprises an engagement portion and a portion retained within a micro-machined cavity formed in the driver, wherein the engagement portion is supported by an active material actuator defining a slot through which a connector portion extends to connect the engagement portion and the retained portion, the connector portion being laterally shiftable within the slot;
• and
• a controller configured to choreograph the operation of the actuatable drive elements in moving the displaceable element.