The object is to provide an actuator that moves in a shearing direction. An actuator comprises an internal actuator including a first stator and a first mover opposed to the first stator, the first mover moving in a direction away from the first stator; a second stator having a fixation wall that is disposed in a direction in which the first stator and the first mover are opposed to each other and that is disposed along a first mover side and away from the first mover, the second stator being fixed with the first stator; and a second mover having a pressing wall inserted between the first mover and the fixation wall.

An actuator for a vehicle seat can be configured to prevent overstress of a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire. The actuator can include a first body member and a second body member pivotably connected to each other. The actuator can include an overstress post and an overstress contact plate operatively connected to the overstress post. Thus, movement of the overstress post causes movement of the overstress contact plate. The actuator can include an overstress contact pin. The actuator can include an SMA wire operatively connected to one of the body members and to the overstress post. When activated, the SMA wire can shrink, causing one of the body members to pivot relative to the other body member and causing the overstress contact plate to move toward the overstress contact pin. If the overstress contact plate contacts the overstress contact pin, the SMA wire can be deactivated.

A camera assembly comprises a lens assembly supported on a support structure, wherein the lens assembly includes an autofocus actuator arrangement and the camera assembly includes an optical image stabilization assembly arranged to move the lens assembly in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. A flexible printed circuit tape connected between the support structure and the lens assembly and providing an electrical connection to the auto-focus actuator arrangement is bent around a corner, thereby allowing the flexible printed circuit tape to accommodate the motion of the lens assembly perpendicular to the optical axis. A crimp plate connected to the lens assembly which crimps shape memory alloy wires has features extending out of the plane of the crimp plate for reducing flexibility. At least part of the optical image stabilization assembly overlaps the lens assembly in the direction along the optical axis, thereby reducing the height of the camera assembly.

A camera module includes a circuit board; and a lens module electrically connected with the circuit board. The lens module is configured to be capable of deformed when being applied a voltage thereon so as to change a focus length of the lens module.

A locking device for an energy storage device of a motor vehicle, includes a locking element, which is adjustable based on a control signal, by an adjusting device between a locking position, in which the locking element engages with a latch receptacle, and a release position, in which the locking element is out of engagement with the latch receptacle. The adjusting device has an adjusting element made of a shape memory alloy. The shape change enables the locking element to be adjustable between the locking position and the release position.

An energy recovery device comprising a drive mechanism; an engine comprising a plurality of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) elements or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elements fixed at a first end by a holder element and connected at a second end to a drive mechanism wherein Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) elements or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elements are positioned to from a gap between adjacent elements and configured to improve heat transfer from a fluid to each element.

A plurality of wire elements for use in an energy recovery device comprising Shape Memory Alloy or other Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) material, wherein at least one wire element is fixed at one end and free to move at a second end, such that the wire elements are arranged adjacently and are in friction or interference contact with each other and are secured at the outer perimeter of wires utilising a securing means. In such arrangement, during the operation of the bundle arrangement in a heat engine system, the plate elements act to transmit the aggregated force generation of the wire grouping and thus usefully recover and transmit power.

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.

A wire feeding and bonding tool and method for attaching wires to a component having first and second spaced-apart wire attach structures. Wire from a supply is fed through a capillary having at least a linear end portion with a feed opening. The capillary is positioned with respect to the component to locate a first portion of the wire extending from the feed opening adjacent to the first wire attach structure, and the wire is attached to the first attach structure. The capillary is moved with respect to the component along a wire feed path to feed the wire from the first wire attach structure to the second wire attach structure and to locate a second portion of the wire extending from the feed opening adjacent to the second attach structure. The wire is attached to the second wire attach structure, and cut from the supply.

A lens unit with a central axis is provided. The lens unit includes a fixed portion, a movable portion, and a first driving assembly. The fixed portion includes an outer frame and a bottom combined with the outer frame. The outer frame and the bottom are arranged along the central axis. The movable portion is movably connected to the fixed portion, and carries a lens with an optical axis. The central axis is not parallel to the optical axis. The first driving assembly is connected to the movable portion, and drives the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion. The first driving assembly also includes a biasing element made of a shape memory alloy.