US 11,815,794 B2
Shape memory alloy actuators and methods thereof
Ryan N. Ruzicka, Waconia, MN (US); Yasushi Sakamoto, Hutchinson, MN (US); and Mark A. Miller, Hutchinson, MN (US)
Assigned to Hutchinson Technology Incorporated, Hutchinson, MN (US)
Filed by Hutchinson Technology Incorporated, Hutchinson, MN (US)
Filed on Jan. 5, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/569,268.
Application 17/412,030 is a division of application No. 16/775,207, filed on Jan. 28, 2020, granted, now 11,105,319, issued on Aug. 31, 2021.
Application 17/569,268 is a continuation in part of application No. 17/412,030, filed on Aug. 25, 2021.
Application 16/775,207 is a continuation in part of application No. 15/971,995, filed on May 4, 2018, granted, now 10,920,755, issued on Feb. 16, 2021.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/152,299, filed on Feb. 22, 2021.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/826,106, filed on Mar. 29, 2019.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/650,991, filed on Mar. 30, 2018.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/502,568, filed on May 5, 2017.
Prior Publication US 2022/0128046 A1, Apr. 28, 2022
Int. Cl. F03G 7/06 (2006.01); G02B 6/35 (2006.01); G02B 6/38 (2006.01); H10N 30/00 (2023.01); H10N 30/50 (2023.01); G03B 17/56 (2021.01); G03B 17/38 (2021.01)
CPC G03B 17/563 (2013.01) [F03G 7/0665 (2021.08); G02B 6/3576 (2013.01); G02B 6/3859 (2013.01); G03B 17/38 (2013.01); H10N 30/00 (2023.02); H10N 30/50 (2023.02); G03B 2205/0061 (2013.01); G03B 2205/0076 (2013.01)] 6 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An actuator comprising:
a plurality of bimorph arms configured to reduce a net friction force of the plurality of bimorph arms, wherein the plurality of bimorph arms are arranged in an inline, mirrored orientation, the inline, mirrored orientating including:
a first bimorph arm of the plurality of bimorph arms and a second bimorph arm of the plurality of bimorph arms, the second bimorph arm arranged inline with the first bimorph arm such that a fixed end of the second bimorph arm is adjacent to a fixed end of the first bimorph arm, and a free end of the first bimorph arm is disposed opposite a free end of the second bimorph arm.