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; and
an unfixed load point end, the beam portion disposed between the fixed end and the unfixed load point end,
the unfixed load point end including a flat surface including a resistance weld region configured to affix SMA material.
2. The actuator of claim 1 comprising SMA material affixed to the fixed end and the load point end.
3. The actuator of claim 2 , wherein the load point end includes a distal aperture and a proximal aperture separated by the resistance weld region.
4. The actuator of claim 2 , wherein the load point end includes an elongated aperture corresponding to a section of the SMA material.
5. The actuator of claim 2 , wherein the load point end includes a distal aperture and a proximal aperture separated by the resistance weld region, an elongated aperture corresponding to a section of the SMA material, the elongated aperture extending from the distal aperture.
6. The actuator of claim 1 , wherein the load point end includes a non-linear aperture defining the resistance weld region.
7. The actuator of claim 6 , wherein the resistance weld region is fully etched from the load point end.
8. The actuator of claim 6 , wherein the resistance weld region is partially etched by the non-linear aperture.
9. The actuator of claim 1 , wherein the load point end further including at least one radiant surface area extending out from the resistance weld region.
10. An actuator comprising:
a beam portion;
a fixed end;
an unfixed load point end, the beam portion disposed between the fixed end and the unfixed load point end; and
SMA material affixed to the fixed end and the unfixed load point end, the fixed end including:
a flat surface at the unfixed load point, including a resistance weld of the SMA material.
11. The actuator of claim 10 , wherein the fixed end includes a distal aperture and a proximal aperture separated by the resistance weld region.
12. The actuator of claim 10 , wherein the fixed end includes an elongated aperture corresponding to a section of the SMA material.
13. The actuator of claim 10 , wherein the fixed end includes a distal aperture and a proximal aperture separated by the resistance weld region, and an elongated aperture corresponding to a section of the SMA material, the elongated aperture extending from the distal aperture.
14. The actuator of claim 10 , wherein the fixed end includes a non-linear aperture defining a resistance weld region for the resistance weld.
15. The actuator of claim 14 , wherein the resistance weld region for the resistance weld is fully etched from the load point end.
16. The actuator of claim 14 , wherein the resistance weld region for the resistance weld is partially etched by the non-linear aperture.
17. The actuator of claim 10 , wherein the load point end further including at least one radiant surface area extending out from the resistance weld region.