The present embodiments relate to a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator with a reduced number of materials for manufacturing the actuator. In some instances, elements of the SMA actuator can comprise a dielectric material disposed on the actuator via an injection molding process. In other instances, the SMA actuator can dispose SMA wires above a base of the SMA actuator without the use of any dielectric material. In a first example, an SMA actuator can include a carriage and a base. The base can include a fixed end fixed to the carriage, a free end, a beam connecting the fixed end and the free end, and at least one SMA wire. The SMA actuator can also include an insulator comprising a dielectric material electrically isolating a set of electrical contacts at the fixed end.

The present embodiments relate to a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator with a reduced number of materials for manufacturing the actuator. In some instances, elements of the SMA actuator can comprise a dielectric material disposed on the actuator via an injection molding process. In other instances, the SMA actuator can dispose SMA wires above a base of the SMA actuator without the use of any dielectric material. In a first example, an SMA actuator can include a carriage and a base. The base can include a fixed end fixed to the carriage, a free end, a beam connecting the fixed end and the free end, and at least one SMA wire. The SMA actuator can also include an insulator comprising a dielectric material electrically isolating a set of electrical contacts at the fixed end.

It is aimed to enable a connecting operation to be easily performed while achieving high connection reliability between a connecting member and a mating connecting member. An electrical connection unit is to be connected to a mating connecting member and includes a connecting member capable of contacting the mating connecting member and a biasing member for applying a contact pressure between the mating connecting member and the connecting member. The biasing member is made of shape-memory alloy memorizing a shape to enhance the contact pressure by a temperature increase.

It is aimed to enable a connecting operation to be easily performed while achieving high connection reliability between a connecting member and a mating connecting member. An electrical connection unit is to be connected to a mating connecting member and includes a connecting member capable of contacting the mating connecting member and a biasing member for applying a contact pressure between the mating connecting member and the connecting member. The biasing member is made of shape-memory alloy memorizing a shape to enhance the contact pressure by a temperature increase.