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

A time-of-flight sensor system 10 comprising: an illumination source 11 for illuminating a subject 19 to which a time-of-flight is to be measured; an optical system configured to, using an at least one actuator, transition the illumination source 11 between providing spot illumination and flood illumination; and a sensor 12 comprising a sensor surface. The sensor surface is configured to sense light scattered by the subject 19 from the illumination source 12 and to provide data dependent on sensed light. The spot illumination has a spatially non-uniform intensity over the sensor surface, and the optical system is configured to move the spot illumination across at least part of the sensor surface to generate an output frame, wherein the at least one actuator comprises at least one shape memory alloy (SMA) component.

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.

Certain examples disclose and describe apparatus and methods to provide fast response active clearance system with piezoelectric actuator in axial, axial/radial combined, and circumferential directions. In some examples, an apparatus includes an actuator to control clearance between a blade and at least one of a shroud or a hanger, the actuator including a multilayer stack of material, and wherein the actuator is outside a case. The apparatus further includes a rod coupled to the actuator and the at least one of the shroud or the hanger through an opening in the case, the rod to move the at least one of the shroud or the hanger in a radial direction based on axial movement of the multilayer stack of material.

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.

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

The invention relates to an actuator element (10), comprising an actuator (12), which comprises a shape memory alloy and is designed to shorten or extend itself in the longitudinal extension direction thereof when in an excited state; an electronic control unit, which has a carrier element (18) and a plurality of electronic components (26) for exciting the actuator (12) on the basis of a control signal; and a movable component (20), which is coupled to the actuator and is movable by means of the actuator (12) relative to the carrier element (18); wherein the carrier element (18) defines a guide portion (16), in particular a dimensionally stable guide portion, by means of which the actuator (12) is guided along the longitudinal extension direction thereof.

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 thin displacement driving device includes a first movable plate, a second movable plate, an axial limiting unit, a first actuator and a second actuator. The axial limiting unit limits the moving direction of the first movable plate and the second movable late. The first actuator has a first shape memory alloy wire coupled to the first movable plate, and the second actuator has a second shape memory alloy wire coupled to the second movable plate. Movement of the first movable plate by the actuation of the first actuator will trigger movement of the second movable plate, and movement of the second movable plate by actuation of the second actuator will trigger movement of the first movable plate.

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.