Hutchinson Technology Corporation

Ryan N Ruzicka

Mark A Miller

Zachary A Pokornowski

Jacob D Bjorstrom

Yasushi Sakamoto

Michael Wayne Davis

Dean E Myers

Nathaniel K Behning

Nole D German

Joseph C Wheatley

Kurt C Swanson

Paul Valentine Pesavento

John L Schumann

Matthew S Lang

Trent A Johnson

Duane M Jelkin

Allan D Tokuda

Forrest A Cravens

Peter Francis Ladwig

Donald M Anderson

Jeremy J Stroschein

Todd Austin Peter

Zachary D Pokornowski

Todd A Peter

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

The present embodiments relate to a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator with a joint between an SMA wire the SMA actuator being disposed at a bottom surface of the SMA actuator. The SMA actuator can include at least one fixed end configured to be fixed to a carriage, at least one free end, at least one beam connecting the fixed end and the free end, and at least one SMA wire. The at least one SMA wire can be electrically connected to the at least one fixed end and the at least one free end via electrical contact portions. The position of the at least one SMA wire being affixed to the bottom surface can allow for reduced stress and a wire exit angle at the weld joint between each SMA wire and the actuator, improving resiliency of the SMA actuator.

Shape memory alloy (SMA) bimorph actuators with reduced wire exit angle

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

Devices including a substrate and a plurality of coil portions disposed on the substrate. The plurality of coil portions electrically coupled to form a coil structure.

High density coil design and process

Shape memory alloy actuator

Shape metal alloy (SMA) bimorph actuators with reduced wire exit angle

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Waconia, MN, United States of America

Ryan N Ruzicka