Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide haptic button assemblies in which the haptic button has a low profile while still providing a satisfying tactile response or sensation to a user. Advantageously, the haptic button assemblies may have a profile that, for example, enables the assembly to be incorporated into the free space along an edge of a portable computing device. The haptic assemblies may, for example, be arranged to move the button perpendicularly with respect to the edge of the device.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuator assembly comprises a first part, including a surface, a second part which moves relative to the first part across the surface and a resilient biasing element that biases the second part into contact with the first part so as to generate frictional forces therebetween for retaining the second part on the surface. At least one shape memory alloy actuator wire is connected between the first part and the second part and arranged to, on contraction thereof, apply a force to the second part with a component parallel to the surface that drives movement of the second part relative to the first part across the surface. Thus, the second part is retained on the surface when no power is applied to the shape memory alloy wire, and movement is achieved when power is applied.

Abstract: Broadly speaking, the present techniques provide specific arrangements of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wires in SMA actuation apparatuses. In one arrangement, a single straight shape memory alloy actuator wire may be used, which may be inclined at an acute angle greater than 0 degrees with respect to a plane normal to the movement direction. In another arrangement, two straight lengths of shape memory alloy actuator wire may be used, where the SMA wires may be inclined at an acute angle greater than 0 degrees with respect to a plane normal to the movement direction.

Abstract: An actuator assembly comprising: a support structure; an image sensor assembly comprising an image sensor having a light-sensitive region, the image sensor assembly being suspended on the support structure in a manner allowing movement of the image sensor assembly relative to the support structure; and at least two flexible printed circuits, each electrically connected at one end to the image sensor assembly, wherein the flexible printed circuits fold around the image sensor assembly such that their other ends are at the same side of the image sensor assembly.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuator assembly (2) is disclosed. The actuator assembly comprises a support (21), a first stage (22) moveable in at least two different non-parallel directions in a first plane relative to the support, a first set of at least two shape memory alloy wires (271) configured to move the first stage in the first plane, a second stage (23) moveable in at least two different non-parallel in a second plane parallel to or coplanar with the first plane relative to the first stage, and a second set of at least two shape memory alloy wires (272) configured to move the second stage in the second plane. The first stage is coupled to the support via the first set of shape memory alloy wires and the second stage is coupled to the first stage via the second set of shape memory alloy wires such that movement of the second stage in the second plane with respect to the support is a combination of movement of the first stage relative to support and the second stage relative to the first stage.

Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide an actuator that comprises segments of shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wire that can be used to deliver a relatively large output stroke. In particular, two segments of SMA actuator wire may be mechanically coupled together around a corner of a static component of the actuator such that a displacement (e.g. contraction) of one segment causes a displacement (e.g. contraction) of the other segment. In this way, the displacement of each segment combines in an additive manner to generate a large output stroke that is able to move a moveable component of the actuator.

Abstract: A resonant actuator assembly (1) comprising: a support structure (3); a movable part (5) that is capable of relative motion with respect to the support structure; and an actuator arrangement (7) arranged to drive relative motion of the movable part, the resonant actuator assembly being arranged to provide a restoring force to the movable part on displacement from an equilibrium position with respect to the support structure, and the actuator arrangement being arranged to drive the relative motion of the movable part at a resonance of the resonant actuator assembly, the restoring force being non-linear with the displacement.

Abstract: A camera assembly is disclosed. The camera assembly comprises: a first part; a second part tiltable with respect to the first part, the second part including an image sensor and a lens system, wherein the lens system is above the image sensor with respect to a primary axis passing through the image sensor; a drive system configured, in response to drive signals, to cause tilting of the second part with respect to the first part, wherein the tilting is about first and/or second axes which are not parallel and which are perpendicular to the primary axis; and one or more flexible connectors operatively connected to the second part, wherein the one or more flexible connectors are routed to pass between the second part and the first part below the image sensor with respect to the primary axis.

Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide haptic button assemblies in which the haptic button has a low profile while still providing a satisfying tactile response or sensation to a user. Advantageously, the haptic button assemblies may have a profile that, for example, enables the assembly to be incorporated into the free space along an edge of a portable computing device. The haptic assemblies may, for example, be arranged to move the button perpendicularly with respect to the edge of the device.

Abstract: Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide mechanisms for electrically connecting shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator wires of an actuation device to a power or current source via at least one connection element.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator comprising: a support structure (10); a moveable part (20) movable relative to In the support structure; plural SMA components (30) connecting the support structure and the movable part, the SMA components are operable to controllably change the position and/or orientation of the moveable part in two or more degrees of freedom; a controller (12) for controlling the operation of the SMA components in a first operating mode during normal operation and a second operating mode in response to an event; and means configured to, during the second operating mode, maintain at least partial control of the moveable part with a subset of the plural SMA components.

Abstract: An actuator assembly (23) includes a first part (24), a second part (25), and a bearing arrangement (26) mechanically coupling the first part (24) to the second part (25). The actuator assembly (23) also includes a drive arrangement (11, 20) including a total of four lengths of shape memory alloy wire (141, 142, 143, 144). The drive arrangement (11, 20) and the bearing arrangement (26) are configured such that the second part (25) is movable towards or away from the first part (24) along a primary axis (z), and the second part (25) is movable relative to the first part (24) along a first axis (x) and/or a second axis (y). The first and second axes (x, y) are perpendicular to the primary axis (z) and the second axis (y) is different to the first axis (x).

Abstract: An actuator assembly (4001) includes a first part (4002), a second part (4004), a bearing arrangement (4003) and a drive arrangement (4005). The bearing arrangement (4003) includes first to fourth flexures (40151, 40152, 40153, 40154) arranged about a primary axis (4009) passing through the actuator assembly (4001). The bearing arrangement (4003) supports the second part (4004) on the first part (4002). The second part (4004) is tiltable about first and/or second axes (4011, 4012) which are not parallel and which are perpendicular to the primary axis (4009). The drive arrangement (4005) includes four lengths of shape memory alloy wire (40101, 40102, 40103, 40104). The four lengths of shape memory alloy wire (40101, 40102, 40103, 40104) are coupled to the second part (4004) and to the first part (4002).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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 (141, 142, 143, 144). Each length of shape memory alloy wire (141, 142, 143, 144) 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).

Abstract: Example implementations relate to disaggregated storage systems. An example method may include initializing a plurality of level 1 (L1) clusters in a disaggregated storage system, where each L1 cluster includes multiple compute nodes. The method may also include electing an L1 leader node in each L1 cluster, and forming a level 2 (L2) cluster including the L1 leader nodes. The method may include electing an L2 leader node by the L1 leader nodes included in the L2 cluster.

Abstract: Example implementations relate to disaggregated storage systems. An example method may include initializing a plurality of level 1 (L1) clusters in a disaggregated storage system, where each L1 cluster includes multiple compute nodes. The method may also include electing an L1 leader node in each L1 cluster, and forming a level 2 (L2) cluster including the L1 leader nodes. The method may include electing an L2 leader node by the L1 leader nodes included in the L2 cluster.

Abstract: There is provided a method of driving a shape memory alloy haptic assembly comprising an actuator comprising shape memory alloy that is arranged on actuation to provide a haptic effect, the method comprising supplying drive current to the actuator successively during a pre-heating period in which the temperature of the shape memory alloy is raised without causing the shape memory alloy to provide the haptic effect and during an actuation period in which the temperature of the shape memory alloy is raised so as to cause the shape memory alloy to provide the haptic effect. A shape memory alloy haptic assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An SMA haptic assembly comprises relatively movable first and second parts and a length of SMA wire, the ends of which are connected to the first part or second part, wherein the first and second parts comprise at least one contact portion making contact with the length of SMA wire on opposite sides of the length of SMA wire and relatively positioned so as to guide the length of SMA wire along a tortuous path such that the first and second parts are driven in opposite directions along a movement axis on contraction of the length of SMA wire. The at least one contact portion of one or both of the first and second parts is formed from sheet material that is shaped to guide the path of the SMA wire in contact therewith, thereby reducing the overall thickness and simplifying manufacture.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy apparatus (1) comprising: a member (3) comprising a first end portion (5) and a second end portion (7); and a shape memory alloy component (9) connected to the member (3). The shape memory alloy component (9) being configured to, on contraction, change the separation between the first end portion (5) and the second end portion (7) of the member (3), the member (3) being configured to be in tension during contraction of the shape memory alloy component (9), wherein the said separation changes in a direction that is angled to the direction of contraction.