A system may include a magnetic shape memory (MSM) element having a longitudinal axis that extends from a first end of the MSM element to a second end of the MSM element. The system may further include a rotatable permanent magnet configured to rotate around an axis of rotation and positioned proximate to the MSM element. The system may also include a first solenoid having a first solenoid axis directed at the rotatable permanent magnet. The system may include a second solenoid having a second solenoid axis directed at the rotatable permanent magnet. A method may include applying a first alternating current (AC) signal to the first solenoid and a second AC signal to the second solenoid to cause the rotatable permanent magnet to rotate.

A system may include a magnetic shape memory (MSM) element having a longitudinal axis that extends from a first end of the MSM element to a second end of the MSM element. The system may further include a rotatable permanent magnet configured to rotate around an axis of rotation and positioned proximate to the MSM element. The system may also include a first solenoid having a first solenoid axis directed at the rotatable permanent magnet. The system may include a second solenoid having a second solenoid axis directed at the rotatable permanent magnet. A method may include applying a first alternating current (AC) signal to the first solenoid and a second AC signal to the second solenoid to cause the rotatable permanent magnet to rotate.

A shape memory actuator including: a monolithic shape memory alloy; a shape memory effect (SME) section of the alloy, configured for actuation; a pseudo-elastic (PE) section of the alloy, configured as a sensor for enabling position sensing; and a control system configured to control the actuator by controlling a current through at least the SME section based on the sensor results of the PE section. A method of controlling a shape memory actuator, the method including: applying a predetermined current through the actuator; measuring a first resistance of the SME section; measuring a second resistance of the PE section; calculating an estimated position of the actuator based on the first and second resistances; and adapting the current applied to the actuator based on the estimated position. A method of manufacturing a shape memory actuator, the method including: laser processing; thermomechanically treating; and training the shape memory alloy.

Embodiments of the present techniques provide methods for assembling and manufacturing shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator assemblies, which may also advantageously simplify the process of, speed-up the process of and/or reduce the cost of manufacturing SMA actuator assemblies.

A shape memory actuator including: a monolithic shape memory alloy; a shape memory effect (SME) section of the alloy, configured for actuation; a pseudo-elastic (PE) section of the alloy, configured as a sensor for enabling position sensing; and a control system configured to control the actuator by controlling a current through at least the SME section based on the sensor results of the PE section. A method of controlling a shape memory actuator, the method including: applying a predetermined current through the actuator; measuring a first resistance of the SME section; measuring a second resistance of the PE section; calculating an estimated position of the actuator based on the first and second resistances; and adapting the current applied to the actuator based on the estimated position. A method of manufacturing a shape memory actuator, the method including: laser processing; thermomechanically treating; and training the shape memory alloy.

A fluidic valve having a first zone and a second zone separated by an aperture that is sealed by a deformable element, where: in the first zone, there is a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire secured to a stationary surface and the SMA acts on a first surface of the deformable element either directly or through a piston; in the second zone, there are at least two ports and a plunger connected to a second surface of the deformable element, opposite to the first surface, and suitable to close one of the ports; and there is a bypass channel that permanently connects the first zone to the second zone through a first end aperture positioned in the first zone and a second end aperture positioned in the second zone.

A thermally driven elastocaloric system and a method for generating at least one of a heating potential and a cooling potential are provided. The thermally driven elastocaloric system includes a first shape memory alloy (SMA) member, a second shape memory alloy (SMA) member, and a connection mechanism configured between the distal end of the first SMA member and the distal end of the second SMA member. The connection mechanism is configured to transfer a force between the first SMA member and the second SMA member. The transfer of a compressive force to an SMA member may generate a heating potential in the SMA member, and the transfer of a tensile force to an SMA member may generate a cooling potential in the SMA member. Whether a compressive force or a tensile force is transferred may be dependent on whether heat is transferred to or from a SMA member.

Systems and methods described herein relate to improving an actuator for a support system of a seat. In one embodiment, an actuator includes a body that is bi-stable with a coiled state and an uncoiled state. The actuator also includes a strip, coupled to the body, that coils the body according to heat caused by a power source. The actuator also includes a wire coupled to a side of the body opposite from the strip and the wire uncoils the body in response to heating caused by the power source.

A multiple pulse volume shuttle pump powered by a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire is disclosed. In some embodiments, a shuttle pump system may include a pump chamber, a valve operable with the pump chamber, and a wire coupled to a valve shaft of the valve for controlling a position of the valve. The shuttle pump system may further include a pin disposed within an inset pathway of a cam, wherein the pin is moveable between multiple positions of the inset pathway in response to actuation of the valve shaft.

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.