Importance

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Abstract

A shape memory alloy wire actuator includes a first body member, a second body member and a strand of shape memory alloy wire. The first body member and the second body member extend along a longitudinal axis and are slidably engageable with one another along the longitudinal axis. The first and second body members move in a linear, coaxial fashion relative to one another between an extended state and a contracted state. The first and second body members are resiliently biased away from one another by a spring. The strand of shape memory alloy wire interconnects the first and second body members in a serpentine manner. When the shape memory alloy wire is energized, such as by an electrical current, the shape memory alloy wire shortens causing the first body member and the second body member to move from the extended state to the contracted state. When the shape memory alloy wire is de-energized, i.e., the electrical current is shut off, the shape memory alloy wire lengthens causing the first body member and the second body member move from the contracted state to the extended state under the force of the spring.

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First Claim