An actuator that includes a shell, a ring structure within the shell, a shape-memory material wire fixed at opposite points of the ring structure to extend in a first direction across a width of the ring structure, and a cooling fluid provided within the shell and in fluid communication with the shape-memory material wire. When the shape-memory material wire is heated, the shape-memory material wire contracts in the first direction to reduce the width of the ring structure and increases a height of the ring structure extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

A labyrinth barrier is disclosed and comprises two or more members each defining respective vertical axes. One or more of the members are constructed at least in part of a shape memory material having a first energy state and a second energy state. The members are oriented relative to one another by their respective vertical axes in an original state to create a flow pathway that restricts fluid flow in a direction transverse to the respective vertical axes. The members are urged towards one another to further restrict the flow pathway when the shape memory material transitions from the first energy state to the second energy state.

A linear displacement device includes at least one artificial muscle actuator, an arm attached to the at least one artificial muscle, a body that is restricted to move along a line, and a stationary channel that restricts the motion of the body to linear motion. The at least one artificial muscle actuator causes the body to move along the line. The body is further restricted to move along a surface of the arm and the at least one artificial muscle actuator is a rotational muscle actuator. Additionally, the arm rotates in concert with the at least one artificial muscle actuator.

A linear displacement device includes at least one artificial muscle actuator, an arm attached to the at least one artificial muscle, a body that is restricted to move along a line, and a stationary channel that restricts the motion of the body to linear motion. The at least one artificial muscle actuator causes the body to move along the line. The body is further restricted to move along a surface of the arm and the at least one artificial muscle actuator is a rotational muscle actuator. Additionally, the arm rotates in concert with the at least one artificial muscle actuator.

In an embodiment, an article comprises a plurality of structural units, wherein each structural unit comprises a first portion; a second portion; wherein the second portion contacts the first portion; and a third portion; wherein the third portion is in communication with the first portion and the second portion and is more compressible than the first portion and the second portion; where the first portion has a first value of a property and where the second portion has a second value of the same property, such that the first value acts as a restraining or enhancing force on the second value; wherein the first portion comprises a first metal and wherein the second portion comprises a second metal that is different from the first metal.

A method of manufacturing an electrode assembly includes positioning a layer stack comprising an electrode positioned between an electrode insulator and a support polymer in a vacuum bag, removing air from the vacuum bag thereby vacuum coupling the electrode to the electrode insulator, and removing the layer stack from the vacuum bag, where upon removal of the layer stack from the vacuum bag, the electrode remains vacuum coupled to the electrode insulator and the electrode insulator is in direct contact with the electrode, thereby forming an electrode assembly.

The invention says a lens module including a frame, a first circuit board arranged on the frame, a lens base for mounting a lens, a support device for supporting the lens base on the first circuit board, and a driving device connected between the first circuit board and the lens base. The frame includes oppositely arranged first side walls and oppositely arranged second side walls connected between the first side walls. The driving device includes shape memory alloy wires each being provided with two ends connected to the frame, and a driving end positioned between the two ends. The driving ends are supported on the lens base. The lens module said by the invention can further achieve miniaturization on the basis of reducing the difficulty in product assembly.

Provided is a hybrid drive device including a main power source; an auxiliary power source; a main deformation part configured to be deformable in response to receiving a voltage from the main power source; and an auxiliary deformation part configured to connect to the main deformation part and to be deformable in response to receiving a voltage from the auxiliary power source.

Provided is a hybrid drive device including a main power source; an auxiliary power source; a main deformation part configured to be deformable in response to receiving a voltage from the main power source; and an auxiliary deformation part configured to connect to the main deformation part and to be deformable in response to receiving a voltage from the auxiliary power source.

A shape memory material element configuration including a shape memory material element, and a capillary line extending to the element and positioned to apply an activation fluid to the element.