Aspects described herein generally relate to a capture connector an actuated locking device. The actuator mechanism includes a capture connector having a body and at least one contact element connectable to the body, wherein each contact element comprises a first contact surface extending in a first direction and a second contact surface extending in a second direction different from the first direction. The actuator mechanism further includes a shape memory wire extending in a third direction adjacent to the capture connector, and at least one termination component fixedly coupled to the shape memory wire. The shape memory wire has at least one of a first actuation state and a second actuation state, and in the first actuation state, the shape memory wire generates an actuator force in the third direction, which is normal or oblique to the first direction of the first contact surface.

A shape memory alloy actuator (1) includes a first part (2), a second part (3), one or more heat sinks (2, 3, 35, 52), and one or more shape memory alloy wires (4, 5). The one or more shape memory alloy wires (4, 5) include a first segment of shape memory alloy wire (4). The one or more shape memory alloy wires (4, 5) are configured to move the second part (3) relative to the first part (2) over a range of movement. The first segment (4) of shape memory alloy wire is connected to the first part (2) by a first resilient element (7) at a first end (6), and a second end (8) of the first segment of shape memory alloy wire (4) is connected to the second part (3). The first resilient element (7) is configured such that in response to a change in tension of the first segment of shape memory alloy wire (4), a first distance (d, d.sub.1) between the first segment of shape memory alloy wire (4) and at least one of the heat sinks (2, 3, 35, N 52) is increased or decreased by an amount greater than a change in a second distance (I, I.sub.l) between the first and second ends (6, 8).

An SMA actuator assembly (2) comprising: a support structure (10); a movable part (20) that is movable relative to the support structure; and an SMA wire (30) connected at its ends to the movable part and/or the support structure and arranged to move the movable part relative to the support structure, wherein the SMA wire is arranged to be in contact between its ends with one or more contact portions of the movable part and/or support structure, and wherein each contact portion comprises a plurality of contact sections (10a, 20a) that are in direct contact with the SMA wire, wherein the plurality of contact sections are separated by one or more gaps between the contact sections.

Aspects described herein generally relate to a capture connector an actuated locking device. The actuator mechanism includes a capture connector having a body and at least one contact element connectable to the body, wherein each contact element comprises a first contact surface extending in a first direction and a second contact surface extending in a second direction different from the first direction. The actuator mechanism further includes a shape memory wire extending in a third direction adjacent to the capture connector, and at least one termination component fixedly coupled to the shape memory wire. The shape memory wire has at least one of a first actuation state and a second actuation state, and in the first actuation state, the shape memory wire generates an actuator force in the third direction, which is normal or oblique to the first direction of the first contact surface.

An actuation mechanism used in, for example, a missile assembly is disclosed, as are methods of its use. The actuation mechanism is locked in a first orientation and is unlocked in a second orientation. Locking and unlocking of the actuation mechanism is achieved by way of a locking mechanism that responds to a certain stimulus. In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism is incorporated into a sub-assembly of a missile to assist in controlling the missile's flight.

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 locking device having: a composition gradient defining a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second coefficient of thermal expansion that differs from the first coefficient of thermal expansion; and a thermoelectric junction operationally coupled to the composition gradient, wherein the composition gradient is formed of either of a plurality of dissimilar metals or of plastic with fillings or fibers.

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.

Actuator assemblies and methods of operating actuator assemblies are provided, in particular with the aim of reducing bearing jitter. In one approach an actuator assembly (1) is provided which has: a support element (4); a movable element (20) movable relative to the support element; an SMA component (80) connected between the movable element and the support element and arranged to cause movement of the movable element relative to the support element; a bearing (100) arranged to guide the movement of the movable element; and a controller (30) arranged to control energy supplied to the SMA component to thereby cause contraction and/or relaxation of the SMA component and to control movement of the movable element relative to the support element in a first direction so as to provide an actuation function, wherein the controller is arranged to, at least whilst the movable element starts to move in the first direction, control the movable element to cause it to be moving in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

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.