The invention benefits an economy by utilizing a thermodynamic device that generates electricity distributed by an interconnected power grid to manufacture, implement and comprise: photovoltaic frameworks, wind turbines and general goods; residential and commercial utilities; dynamic electrical charging matrices embedded to surface roadways, in-wheel electric motors for internal combustion vehicles and storage batteries; irrigation topologies for agriculture; space-faring components with destination and arrival ports; to include auxiliaries. Modular systems are scaled for implementing on extraterrestrial embodiments therewith.

The invention benefits an economy by utilizing a thermodynamic device that generates electricity distributed by an interconnected power grid to manufacture, implement and comprise: photovoltaic frameworks, wind turbines and general goods; residential and commercial utilities; dynamic electrical charging matrices embedded to surface roadways, in-wheel electric motors for internal combustion vehicles and storage batteries; irrigation topologies for agriculture; space-faring components with destination and arrival ports; to include auxiliaries. Modular systems are scaled for implementing on extraterrestrial embodiments therewith.

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.

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.

An artificial muscle includes a first stress transmission part and a second stress transmission part, which are spaced apart from each other in a first direction, a contraction coil spring provided between the first and second stress transmission parts to pull the first and second stress transmission parts, and an expansion part provided between the first and second stress transmission parts to push the first and second stress transmission parts. The contraction coil spring has a shape of a spring progressing in the first direction, and the contraction coil spring is contracted by heat.

A generator configured to generate electrical energy from heat, for example from sunlight. The generator includes: a moveable carrier connected to a kinetic-electric converter; and a stationary support. One of the carrier and the support is provided with a magnet and the other is provided with separate ferromagnetic elements. A heat supply is associated with the one of the carrier and the support that is provided with the magnet to direct heat onto successively at least one of the ferromagnetic elements to warm the ferromagnetic element to above a Curie temperature thereof, to thereby impart reciprocal movement of the carrier relative to the support through magnetic interaction between the magnet and the ferromagnetic elements. A cooling system such as a thermo-electric generator or a heat sink is configured for cooling at least one of the magnet and the ferromagnetic elements.

The present disclosure provides an actuator device having a large ratio of contraction ratio to initial tension. The actuator device according to the present disclosure comprises an actuator band and a control device. The actuator band is formed by braiding, knitting, or weaving a plurality of actuator single wires. The plurality of the actuator single wires each comprise an actuator wire and a mesh-shaped heating element which covers a side surface of the actuator wire. The actuator wire is formed of a polymer fiber. The fiber is twisted around the long axis thereof and folded so as to have a cylindrical coil shape. The control device is configured to supply electric power for heating the mesh-shaped heating element. The actuator band is heated to be contracted along the longitudinal direction thereof.

In order to stably operate an actuator device in repeated operations with suppression of an increase in a resistance value of a heating wire, the actuator band according to the present disclosure comprises a plurality of actuator wires and a plurality of heating wires. Each of the plurality of the actuator wires is formed of a fiber which consists of a polymer. The fiber is twisted along the long axis thereof and folded so as to have a cylindrical coil shape. Each of the plurality of the actuator wires is contracted by heat and restored by release of the heat. A braided fabric is formed with the plurality of the actuator wires arranged in a planer shape and the plurality of the heating wires. A first end of each of the plurality of heating wires is connected to a first end of each of the plurality of the actuator wires. A second end of each of the plurality of the heating wires is connected to a second end of each of the plurality of the actuator wires.

An actuator device comprises an actuator wire, a net-shaped heating element which covers a side surface of the actuator wire and comprises heating wires, and a controller for supplying electric power to the net-shaped heating element to heat the net-shaped heating element. The actuator wire is contracted by application of heat and restored by release of the heat. The side surface of the actuator wire is formed of a polymer. One end of the net-shaped heating element is connected to an end of the actuator wire. Another end of the net-shaped heating element is connected to another end of the actuator wire. Each of the heating wires comprises an insulative first elastic yarn and a metal wire. The metal wire are helically wound onto the first elastic yarn. When the net-shaped heating element is not heated, the net-shaped heating element is in contact with the side surface of the actuator wire. When the net-shaped heating element is heated, the net-shaped heating element moves outward from the side surface of the actuator wire due to contraction of the actuator wire.

The present disclosure provides a lens driving apparatus comprising: a base comprising insulated first and second conductive terminals; a supporting frame provided with third conductive terminal electrically connected to second conductive terminal; a barrel comprising insulated first and second conductive wires; and elastic members made of memory alloys and comprising first and second elastic members. The first elastic member has one end fixed to supporting frame and electrically connected to third conductive terminal and another end fixed to barrel and electrically connected to first conductive wire to form current loop for driving barrel to move in positive or negative direction of optical axis. The second elastic member has one end fixed to base and electrically connected to first conductive terminal, and another end fixed to barrel and electrically connected to second conductive wire to form current loop for driving barrel to move in negative or positive direction of optical axis.