A non-destructive examination (NDE) system for use on a structural element comprises nano-energetic actuators configured for creating a controlled combustion in response to thermal energy, thereby inducing vibrations in a surface of the structural element. The NDE system further comprises sensors configured for measuring the vibrations induced in the surface of the structural element and generating vibration data. An applique comprises a planar substrate, nano-energetic actuators affixed to the planar substrate, each configured for creating controlled combustions in response to thermal energy, and an adhesive affixed to the planar substrate, such that the applique can be adhered to a structural element. A means of transportation having an accumulation of ice comprises a structural element, and nano-energetic actuators, each configured for creating a controlled combustion in response to thermal energy, thereby inducing vibrations in a surface of the structural element great enough to generate cracks in the ice.

The present disclosure provides a lens driving apparatus. The lens driving apparatus includes a base, a barrel, two elastic members sandwiched between the barrel and the base, and a conductive wire connecting the two elastic members to form a current loop with the two elastic members. The base includes a pedestal and a conductive terminal embedded in the pedestal and electrically connected to outside. The two elastic members are electrically connected with the conductive terminal for driving the barrel to reciprocate in a direction of an optical axis. At least one of the two elastic members is made of memory alloys.

The present disclosure provides a lens driving apparatus. The lens driving apparatus includes a base, a barrel, two elastic members sandwiched between the barrel and the base, and a conductive wire connecting the two elastic members to form a current loop with the two elastic members. The base includes a pedestal and a conductive terminal embedded in the pedestal and electrically connected to outside. The two elastic members are electrically connected with the conductive terminal for driving the barrel to reciprocate in a direction of an optical axis. At least one of the two elastic members is made of memory alloys.

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.

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.

A non-destructive examination (NDE) system for use on a structural element comprises nano-energetic actuators configured for creating a controlled combustion in response to thermal energy, thereby inducing vibrations in a surface of the structural element. The NDE system further comprises sensors configured for measuring the vibrations induced in the surface of the structural element and generating vibration data. An applique comprises a planar substrate, nano-energetic actuators affixed to the planar substrate, each configured for creating controlled combustions in response to thermal energy, and an adhesive affixed to the planar substrate, such that the applique can be adhered to a structural element. A means of transportation having an accumulation of ice comprises a structural element, and nano-energetic actuators, each configured for creating a controlled combustion in response to thermal energy, thereby inducing vibrations in a surface of the structural element great enough to generate cracks in the ice.

A non-destructive examination (NDE) system for use on a structural element comprises nano-energetic actuators configured for creating a controlled combustion in response to thermal energy, thereby inducing vibrations in a surface of the structural element. The NDE system further comprises sensors configured for measuring the vibrations induced in the surface of the structural element and generating vibration data. An applique comprises a planar substrate, nano-energetic actuators affixed to the planar substrate, each configured for creating controlled combustions in response to thermal energy, and an adhesive affixed to the planar substrate, such that the applique can be adhered to a structural element. A means of transportation having an accumulation of ice comprises a structural element, and nano-energetic actuators, each configured for creating a controlled combustion in response to thermal energy, thereby inducing vibrations in a surface of the structural element great enough to generate cracks in the ice.

An actuator that comprises a deformable material, an energy input part, and a characteristics change detection unit. The deformable material is configured with a polymer fiber and, by deforming in response to energy input from the outside, outputs motive power. The energy input part inputs energy to the deformable material. The characteristics change detection unit detects when the deformation characteristic of the deformable material has changed. The actuator also comprises a drive control unit that, by controlling the above-described energy, controls the output of the deformable material. When the characteristic change detection unit detects a change in the deformation characteristic, the drive control unit controls the energy in accordance with the change in the deformation characteristic.

An actuator that comprises a deformable material, an energy input part, and a characteristics change detection unit. The deformable material is configured with a polymer fiber and, by deforming in response to energy input from the outside, outputs motive power. The energy input part inputs energy to the deformable material. The characteristics change detection unit detects when the deformation characteristic of the deformable material has changed. The actuator also comprises a drive control unit that, by controlling the above-described energy, controls the output of the deformable material. When the characteristic change detection unit detects a change in the deformation characteristic, the drive control unit controls the energy in accordance with the change in the deformation characteristic.

An actuator, a release device, and a method of actuating a release device are provided. The actuator comprises a housing defining a first path; an actuating element disposed within the first path, the actuating element being made from a shape memory alloy having a transition temperature, the actuating element being configured to couple with a power source, at least portion of the actuating element being further configured to not change shape when the power source applies a first current for a predetermined amount of time and moves at least a portion of the actuating element from the first position to a second position when the power source applies a second current; and a heat transfer material disposed in the first path between the actuating element and the housing.