An actuator (18) includes a first part (3), a second part (2) and eight shape memory alloy, SMA, wires (4.sub.1, . . . , 4.sub.8) connected between the first part (3) and the second part (2) so as to enable the second part (2) to be moved relative to the first part (3) with at least two degrees of freedom. Two of the SMA wires (4.sub.1, . . . , 4.sub.8) are located on each of four sides (s.sub.1, . . . , s.sub.4). The four sides (s.sub.1, . . . , s.sub.4) extend in a loop around a primary axis (z). On contraction, a first group (4.sub.1, 4.sub.3, 4.sub.5, 4.sub.7) of four of the SMA wires each provide a force on the second part (2) with a component in a first direction along the primary axis (z), and a second group (4.sub.2, 4.sub.4, 4.sub.6, 4.sub.8) of the other four of the SMA wires each provide a force on the second part (2) with a component in a second, opposite direction along the primary axis (z). Each of the eight SMA wires (4.sub.1, . . . , 4.sub.8) is configured such that a length perpendicular to the primary axis (z) is foreshortened relative to a length (l.sub.1, . . . , l.sub.4) of a corresponding one of the four sides (s.sub.1, . . . , s.sub.4).

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 actuator comprises a virtual actuator main axis, two endpieces, a compression spring, and a wire that is made of a shape-memory alloy and can be controlled to implement a change in length. The compression spring elastically supports the two endpieces against one another in the direction of the actuator main axis. The wire comprises at least six contiguous length portions. Each of the contiguous length portions extends and is tensioned between the two endpieces along the actuator main axis. The length portions are arranged with regard to one another in at least one of an axially symmetric way and an rotationally symmetric way with respect to the actuator main axis; and the length portions are oriented at equally sized angles with respect to a virtual reference plane to which the actuator main axis is a surface normal.

Apparatus and methods for filament crimping. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a body and a filament crimp element. The filament crimp element comprises a first set of cavities disposed at a spacing which creates a first set of features and a second set of cavities disposed at a spacing which creates a second set of features. The first and second set cavities are substantially opposite one another. The first set of features are adapted to be placed at least partially within the second set of cavities and the second set of features are adapted to be placed at least partially within the first set of cavities. Interlock features configured for cold welding are also included. Methods and apparatus for the manufacture of the device are also disclosed. In addition, methods for automated placement and manufacture of assemblies using the crimp elements are also disclosed.

An actuator assembly comprises a support structure (6), a movable part (5) movable relative to the support structure, at least one shape memory alloy (SMA) wire (2) connected between the support structure and the movable part via wire attach components and arranged, on contraction, to drive movement of the movable part and a control circuit configured to apply drive signals to the at least one SMA wire so as to drive movement of the movable part relative to the support structure between predetermined positions in a repeated pattern; wherein the length of the at least one SMA wire extending between respective wire attach components is less than 5 mm.

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 electrical plug-in connection includes a first plug-in connection element having a plug housing with at least one blade, and a second plug-in connection element having a socket housing with at least one socket in the form of a lamella pair. The lamella pair receives a blade of the first plug-in connection element, wherein the plug-in connection includes a securing element made of a shape memory alloy. The securing element is deformed upon reaching its conversion temperature. The securing element may also exhibit a one-way memory effect, wherein it is brought, after the first and second plug-in connection elements are plugged together, to a temperature which is equal to or greater than its conversion temperature.

An SMA actuator assembly (1a) for driving or rotating a movable part (20) in a predetermined direction or sense by a plurality of repeated incremental steps is provided. The SMA actuator assembly comprises the movable part; a first engagement portion (31) for engaging the movable part; two SMA wires (41, 42) arranged to move the first engagement portion such that the first engagement portion repeatedly, for each of said incremental steps, is configured to do the following: engage with the movable part from a starting position, exert a force or torque on the movable part in the predetermined direction and disengage from the movable part and return to the starting position. The exertion of the force or torque on the movable part and the engaging or disengaging with the movable part are caused by contraction or relaxation of the two SMA wires.

A tacking element for tacking workpieces in composite manufacturing includes a base member, an actuating member and a heating member. The actuating member secured to the base member. The heating member disposed on the base member or the actuating member and configured to selectively radiate heat toward the actuating member. The actuating member is configured to transform from an inactive position to an active position in response to the heat from the heating member. A tacking stick and system that implements the tacking element is provided. A method for tacking workpieces in composite manufacturing is also provided.

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.