Actuator assembly

Abstract

An actuator assembly comprises one or more actuating units to move a second part 20 relative to a first part (fig.1, 10), and a brake mechanism 30 comprising one or more hold-release components 32 for holding the second part in at least one position or orientation relative to the first part. The hold-release components are biased to move or deform into a hold configuration, and an SMA element 31, when powered, moves or deforms the hold-release component to release the second part by reducing or removing the holding force. The brake may have a friction surface or engaging features to retain the moveable part in position when engaged. There may be two hold-release components, one on each side of a moveable component. [Figure 2]