Hutchinson Technology Corporation

Mark A Miller

Ryan N Ruzicka

Yasushi Sakamoto

Michael Wayne Davis

Peter Francis Ladwig

Dean E Myers

Jacob D Bjorstrom

Nathaniel K Behning

Raymond R Wolter

Richard Rodger Jenneke

Douglas P Riemer

Zachary A Pokornowski

Nole D German

Donald M Anderson

John L Schumann

Craig A Leabch

Michael E Roen

Larry C Webb, Jr

Stevenson J Marek

Duane M Jelkin

Anthony J Liberko

Steven R Lagergren

Gregory J VanHecke

Reid C Danielson

Bryan John Scheele

Reed T Hentges

Joseph C Wheatley

John D Pro

Lance Nevala

Brett T Holaway

David J Zachmeyer

Eric O Naatz

Erich W Bierbrauer

John A Rickeman

Richard A Schnitzler

Haven A Mercer

John A Theget

Alexander J Rice

Allan D Tokuda

Jeremy J Stroschein

Greg Vanhecke

Alex Rice

Richard R Jenneke

The present embodiments relate to a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator with a reduced number of materials for manufacturing the actuator. In some instances, elements of the SMA actuator can comprise a dielectric material disposed on the actuator via an injection molding process. In other instances, the SMA actuator can dispose SMA wires above a base of the SMA actuator without the use of any dielectric material. In a first example, an SMA actuator can include a carriage and a base. The base can include a fixed end fixed to the carriage, a free end, a beam connecting the fixed end and the free end, and at least one SMA wire. The SMA actuator can also include an insulator comprising a dielectric material electrically isolating a set of electrical contacts at the fixed end.

Shape memory alloy (SMA) bimorph actuators and methods for manufacturing the same

SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.

Shape memory alloy actuators and methods thereof

A suspension assembly is described. The suspension assembly including a rigid interposer circuit; a plurality of flexible circuits configured to attach to the rigid interposer circuit and movable about an x-axis and a y-axis with respect to the static plate; and a sensor mounting region on the rigid interposer circuit.

Sensor shift structures in optical image stabilization suspensions

Shape memory alloy actuator

A suspension assembly is described. The suspension assembly including a static member or plate; a moving member or plate movable about an x-axis and a y-axis with respect to the static plate; a sensor mounting region on the moving plate; and one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) elements extending between and coupled to the static plate and moving plate. The SMA elements, when driven by a controller, move the moving plate and the sensor mounting region thereon about the x-axis and the y-axis with respect to the static plate.

Autofocus assembly and related methods are described. One example of an autofocus assembly includes a housing element. The housing element including a hall housing wall configured to secure a hall sensor. The autofocus assembly includes a lens carriage configured to secure a hall magnet and configured to be received within the housing element and configured to define a receiving space between the lens carriage and the housing element to receive one or more bearing elements. The autofocus assembly includes a magnetic element disposed at the hall housing wall and configured to magnetically attract the hall magnet and to secure the hall housing wall to the housing element and secure the one or more bearing elements between the hall housing wall and the lens carriage.

Guided autofocus assembly

A suspension assembly for a camera lens element includes a support member with a wire attach structure and a moving member coupled to the support member. The moving member includes a plate, flexure arms extending from the plate and coupled to the support member, and a wire attach structure. A bearing supports the plate of the moving member for movement with respect to the support member. A shape memory alloy wire is coupled to and extends between the wire attach structures of the support member and the moving member. The limiter limits a range of movement of the moving member with respect to the support member, and in embodiments includes an opening in one of the moving member plate and the support member, and a stop that includes an engagement portion extending into the opening in the other of the moving member plate and the support member.

Camera lens suspension with limiter

Embodiments of the disclosure include a suspension assembly having a support member, a moving member movably coupled to the support member, and shape metal alloy wires coupled between the support and moving members by attachment structures. In embodiments, the attachment structures include a first portion and a second portion configured to be crimped together. In embodiments, at least one of the first and second portions include an etched recess.

Shape memory alloy wire attachment structures for a suspension assembly

Growing community of inventors

Hutchinson, MN, United States of America

Mark A Miller