US 11,982,263 B1
Shape metal alloy (SMA) bimorph actuators with reduced wire exit angle
Ryan N. Ruzicka, Waconia, MN (US)
Assigned to Hutchinson Technology Incorporated, Hutchinson, MN (US)
Filed by Hutchinson Technology Incorporated, Hutchinson, MN (US)
Filed on May 2, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/142,471.
Int. Cl. F03G 7/06 (2006.01); G03B 5/00 (2021.01); G03B 13/36 (2021.01)
CPC F03G 7/06143 (2021.08) [G03B 5/00 (2013.01); G03B 13/36 (2013.01); G03B 2205/0007 (2013.01); G03B 2205/0076 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator comprising:
a fixed end configured to be fixed to a carriage;
a free end;
at least one beam connecting the fixed end and the free end; and
a SMA wire electrically connected to the fixed end and the free end via electrical contact portions, wherein the SMA wire is disposed to corresponding electrical contact portions at a bottom surface of the SMA actuator comprising a surface directed at the carriage.