A shape-memory alloy actuator comprises a stator body; a shuttle, the stator body configured to receive the shuttle, the shuttle configured to move relative to the stator body; a movement and locking mechanism connecting between the stator body and shuttle configured to engage with the shuttle to move the shuttle relative to the stator body; the movement and locking mechanism comprising first and second movement portions configured to engage and disengage from the shuttle, the first movement portion biased away from engagement with the shuttle, the second movement portion biased into engagement with the shuttle, and an SMA element actuator configured so that actuation causes the first movement portion to engage with the shuttle to move the shuttle a part-step in a first direction, the shuttle and second movement portion configured so that de-actuation of the SMA element actuator causes the shuttle to move the remainder of the step.
A shape-memory alloy actuator
2021-06-30
Patent
Electronic Resource
English