Shape memory alloy actuators and methods thereof
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.
1. An actuator comprising:
a beam portion;
a fixed end;
a load point end configured to move, the beam portion disposed between the fixed end and the load point end;
a first electrical contact disposed on the fixed end;
a second electrical contact disposed on the load point end; and
SMA material affixed to the first electrical contact disposed on the fixed end and the second electrical contact disposed on the load point end.
2. The actuator of claim 1 including a limiter.
3. The actuator of claim 1 , wherein the load point end is configured to affix the SMA material using a resistance weld.
4. The actuator of claim 1 , wherein the fixed end is configured to affix the SMA material using a resistance weld.
5. The actuator of claim 4 , wherein the fixed end includes a flat surface.
6. The actuator of claim 5 , wherein the SMA material is affixed to the flat surface by the resistance weld.
7. The actuator of claim 6 , wherein an adhesive is disposed on the resistance weld and at least a portion of the flat surface.
8. The actuator of claim 5 , comprising the first contact formed as a metallic interlayer disposed on the flat surface.
9. The actuator of claim 3 , wherein the load point end includes a flat surface.
10. The actuator of claim 9 , wherein the SMA material is affixed to the flat surface by the resistance weld.
11. The actuator of claim 10 , wherein an adhesive is disposed on the resistance weld and at least a portion of the flat surface.
12. The actuator of claim 9 , comprising the second contact formed as a metallic interlayer disposed on the flat surface.
13. The actuator of claim 10 , comprising an island formed on the fixed end on a side opposite the resistance weld, the island electrically coupled with the SMA material.
14. The actuator of claim 1 , wherein the beam portion includes a formed offset.
15. The actuator of claim 14 , comprising a limiter configured to be adjacent to the formed offset.
16. The actuator of claim 15 , wherein the limiter is formed as part of a base.
17. The actuator of claim 1 , wherein the SMA material is an SMA wire.
18. The actuator of claim 1 comprising one or more load point extensions.
19. The actuator of claim 18 , wherein the one or more load point extensions are formed at an angle to the beam portion.
20. The actuator of claim 18 , wherein the one or more load point extensions are formed parallel with the beam portion.