An actuator assembly (23) is described which includes first part (24), a second part (25) and a bearing arrangement (26) mechanically coupling the first part (24) to the second part (25). The bearing arrangement (26) includes a first bearing (27) mechanically coupling the first part (24) to a third part (28). The actuator assembly (23) also includes a drive arrangement (11, 20). The drive arrangement (11, 20) includes four lengths of shape memory alloy wire (14.sub.1, 14.sub.2, 14.sub.3, 14.sub.4). Each length of shape memory alloy wire (14.sub.1, 14.sub.2, 14.sub.3, 14.sub.4) is connected between the third part (28) and the second part (25). The drive arrangement (11, 20) and the bearing arrangement (26) are configured such that in response to a torque applied about a primary axis (z) by the drive arrangement (11, 20), the first bearing (27) generates movement of the first part (24) towards or away from the second part (25) and the third part (28) along the primary axis (z). The bearing arrangement (26) is configured to constrain rotation of the first part (24) relative to the second part (25) about the primary (z) axis.

Methods and apparatus for aligning a lens holder in a small-height scan engine are disclosed herein. An example method for aligning a lens holder in a small-height scan engine includes: mounting an image sensor to a circuit board; optically aligning, using one or more alignment fixtures, a lens holder holding one or more lenses or optical elements with the image sensor based upon one or more images captured by the image sensor through the lens holder; and after the lens holder and image sensor are optically aligned, physically aligning, using the one or more alignment fixtures, the lens holder with the circuit board based upon a misalignment between a surface of the lens holder and an edge of the circuit board.

Disclosed are a drive structure for an OIS motor, an OIS motor, and a camera device. The key points of technical solutions are: a drive structure for an OIS motor includes a base, a conductive layer, a spring, and four SMA wires, the base is made of an insulating material, the conductive layer is disposed in the base, and terminals of the conductive layer protrude from the surface of the base; the base is provided with two first crimpers electrically connected to the conductive layer and disposed opposite to each other, the spring is provided with two second crimpers disposed opposite to each other, the four SMA wires are uniformly distributed on four sides of the base, and two ends of the SMA wires are respectively connected to the corresponding first crimpers and second crimpers.

The actuator assembly comprises a first part (102), a second part (110) and a helical bearing arrangement. The helical bearing arrangement is arranged to guide helical movement of the second part with respect to the first part around a helical axis H such that rotation of the second part around the helical axis is converted into helical movement of the second part. The first and second parts comprise respective stops (152, 162) that are arranged such that the stops are spaced from each other throughout an operating range of said helical movement of the second part relative to the first part. The stops are configured to engage if the second part is moved relative to the first part in at least one direction other than the direction of said helical movement such that the engagement of the stops restricts relative movement of the first and second parts.

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.

Optical element (1) comprising a first window (21) and a second window (22), wherein the first window (21) is connected to the second window (22) by an elastic membrane (41) such that the first window (21), the second window (22) and the membrane (41) enclose a deformable, sealed volume (42), which is filled with a fluid, wherein at least one first actuator (51) is arranged to tilt the first window (21) with respect to the second window (22) around a first tilting axis (81) in a first direction, wherein the first actuator (51) comprises a Shape Memory Alloy and has the shape of a wire.

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.

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 camera module is provided, including a holder, a base, a bottom, an image sensor, and a first biasing element. The holder holds an optical lens and is disposed on the base. The bottom supports the image sensor and connects to the base via the first biasing element. The bottom and the image sensor can be moved with respect to the base by the first biasing element.

Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide methods for driving shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wires in a more power-efficient manner.