Dual shape-memory alloy actuators

Abstract

First and second closure members are moveable between an extended position and a contracted position. A first actuator assembly is supported by a first end of a circuit board and comprises a first actuator body coupled to the first closure member. A second actuator assembly is supported by a second end of the circuit board and comprises a second actuator coupled to the second closure member. Each actuator body is in electrical contact with an electrical contact surface on a first side of the circuit board and with an electrical contact surface on a second side of the circuit board. First and second SMA actuators extend between the first actuator body and the second actuator body. Each actuator moves a respective one of the first and second closure member to the contracted position in response to an electrical input.

Description

DUAL SHAPE-MEMORY ALLOY ACTUATORSRELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2024 113 947.1, filed May 17, 2024, the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] Seats may include lumber / bolster valves and massage valves that are configured in a valve arrangement. The valves inflate or deflate associated bladders in the seat. The valves are typically arranged in a valve bank and include actuators that are used to open and close the valves. Packaging traditional valve actuators within various seat configurations can be challenging due to their size and complexity.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Figure l is a perspective view of an example seat.

[0004] Figure 2 schematically illustrates some components of a fluid supply system relative to a plurality of fluid bladders.

[0005] Figure 3A is a schematic representation of an actuator assembly in an extended position as supported by a circuit board, and wherein an SMA actuator forms part of a complete circuit when connected to the circuit board and the actuator assembly as schematically shown in dashed lines.

[0006] Figure 3B is similar to Figure 3A but shows the actuator assembly in a retracted position.

[0007] Figure 4A shows a side view of one example of an actuator assembly.

[0008] Figure 4B is a top view of the actuator assembly of Figure 4A.

[0009] Figure 5A is a perspective view of an actuator assembly from Figure 4A as mounted to one end of a circuit board.

[0010] Figure 5B is a side view of the actuator assembly of Figure 5 A.

[0011] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a sliding connector from the actuator assembly of Figure 5 A.

[0012] Figure 7A is an end view of a slider guide from the actuator assembly of Figure 5A.

[0013] Figure 7B is a perspective view of the slider guide from Figure 7A.

[0014] Figure 8A is a top view of another example of a dual actuator assembly.

[0015] Figure 8B is an exploded view of some components of the actuator assembly of Figure 8 A.

[0016] Figure 9A is a side view of an actuator assembly from Figure 8A in an extended position.

[0017] Figure 9B is a top view of the actuator assembly from Figure 9A.

[0018] Figure 9C is a side view of the actuator assembly from Figure 8A in a retracted position.

[0019] Figure 9D is a top view of the actuator assembly from Figure 9C.

[0020] Figure 10A is a side view of another example of an actuator assembly.

[0021] Figure 10B is a top view of the actuator assembly of Figure 10A.

[0022] Figure 10C is a section view of the actuator assembly of Figure 10A.

[0023] Figure 11 is a perspective view of one example of a crimp from the actuator assembly of Figure 10A.

[0024] Figure 12 is a perspective view of another example of a crimp from the actuator assembly of Figure 10A.

[0025] Figure 13A is a side view an actuator module assembly from Figure 10A for assembly to one end of a circuit board.

[0026] Figure 13B is a side view of the actuator module assembly from Figure 13 A in a rotated position for assembly to an opposite end of a circuit board.

[0027] Figure 14A is a schematic representation for potentiometric sensing in a first position.

[0028] Figure 14B is similar to Figure 14A but shows a second position.

[0029] Figure 15 is a schematic representation of a coupled actuator assembly.

[0030] Figure 16A is a schematic representation of a flex cable configuration in a first position.

[0031] Figure 16B is schematic representation of the flex cable configuration in a second position.

[0032] Figure 16C is one example of a flex cable configuration.

[0033] Figure 17A is schematic representation of one example of a circuit board.

[0034] Figure 17B is schematic representation of another example of a circuit board.

[0035] Figure 18 is one example configuration of a single circuit board supporting multiple actuator assemblies.

[0036] Figure 19A is a side view of another example of a dual actuator assembly.

[0037] Figure 19B is a top view of the dual actuator assembly of Figure 19A.

[0038] Figure 19C is an enlarged perspective view of a connection of one end of a resilient member of Figure 19A to a movable crimp.

[0039] Figure 19D is an enlarged perspective view of a connection of an opposite end of the resilient member to a circuit board.

[0040] Figure 20A a top view of another example of a dual actuator assembly.

[0041] Figure 20B is a side view of the dual actuator assembly of Figure 20A.

[0042] Figure 20C is a top view of a circuit board from the dual actuator assembly of Figure 20 A.

[0043] Figure 21 A a perspective view of another example of a dual actuator assembly.

[0044] Figure 21B is a top view of the dual actuator assembly of Figure 21 A in a retracted position.

[0045] Figure 21C is a top view of the dual actuator assembly of Figure 21 A in a free-state position.

[0046] Figure 22 is a top view of a pneumatic system with a plurality of air shields.

[0047] Figure 23 A is a side view of one of the air shields of Figure 22.

[0048] Figure 23B is a front view of the air shield of Figure 23 A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various describedembodiments. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well- known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0050] One or more” includes a function being performed by one element, a function being performed by more than one element, e.g. , in a distributed fashion, several functions being performed by one element, several functions being performed by several elements, or any combination of the above.

[0051] It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. are, in some instances, used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first contact could be termed a second contact, and, similarly, a second contact could be termed a first contact, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. The first contact and the second contact are both contacts, but they are not the same contact.

[0052] The terminology used in the description of the various described embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0053] As used herein, the term “if’ is, optionally, construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” is, optionally, construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],” depending on the context.

[0054] It should be understood that terms such as “about,” “substantially,” and “generally” are not intended to be boundaryless terms, and should be interpreted consistent with the way one skilled in the art would interpret those terms.

[0055] This disclosure relates to an axial movement actuator that utilizes a shapememory alloy (SMA) to move a closure member between two different positions. The closure member can comprise a valve tip or head, for example, or can comprise a quick release or latching member, which is moveable between extended and retracted positions. Figures 1-2 show an example where the closure member is used in a seat comfort system such as a massage bladder assembly, for example.

[0056] Figure 1 illustrates a seat assembly 10 according to one example embodiment. The seat assembly 10 may be utilized as a vehicle seat assembly 10 for seating in a vehicle, such as an automobile, an aircraft, a watercraft, or any other seating environment. The seat assembly 10 includes a seat bottom 12, which may be adapted to be mounted for motor-driven adjustable translation in a fore and aft direction and in an up and down direction of a vehicle. The seat assembly 10 includes a seat back 14, which may be pivotally connected to the seat bottom 12 to extend generally upright relative to the seat bottom 12 for pivotal adjustment relative to the seat bottom 12. A head restraint 16 may also be mounted to the seat back 14.

[0057] In one example, the seat bottom 12 includes a central seating surface 18 and a pair of side bolster regions 20 laterally spaced about the central seating surface 18. The seat back 14 includes a pelvic / lumbar seating surface 22 with a pair of laterally spaced apart side bolster regions 24 on either side. A thoracic / shoulder seating surface 26 is provided above the pelvic / lumbar seating surface 22 and the seating surface of seat back side bolster regions 24. It should be understood that this is just one example of a seat configuration, and that other configurations could also be utilized.

[0058] Figure 2 illustrates the seat assembly 10 with a cover, trim, and foam removed for revealing underlying components. The seat bottom 12 includes one or more inflatable bladder assemblies 28 under the central seating surface 18 and in the seat back 14. The seat bottom 12 also includes a pair of lower side bolster fluid bladder assemblies 30, each located in the seat bottom 12 adjacent the side bolster seating surface 20. Likewise, the seat back 14 includes a pair of upper side bolster fluid bladder assemblies 32, each located adjacent one of the seat back sidebolster seating surfaces 24. Each of the side bolster bladder assemblies 30, 32 is supported upon a frame 34, 36 of the corresponding seat bottom 12 and seat back 14.

[0059] The side bolster fluid bladder assemblies 30, 32 provide lateral support to a seated occupant when the vehicle experiences a turn or cornering. The inflatable bladder assemblies 28 in the seat bottom 12 and in the seat back 14 can be used for lumbar or massage purposes.

[0060] The seat assembly 10 also includes an actuator assembly 39 (schematically shown in Figure 2) for controlling inflation of the bladder assemblies 28, 30, 32. The actuator assembly 39 may include a compressor or pneumatic pump connected to a valve bank to provide a source of fluid / air to the inflatable bladder assemblies 28, 30, 32. In one example, a seat control module is provided in the seat bottom 12 or seat back 14 and is identified generally as a controller 46. In one example, the controller 46 regulates compressed air into and out of the bladder assemblies 28, 30, 32 via the actuator assembly 39. The controller 46 and actuator assembly 39 may be installed in the seat back 14, as shown, or installed under the seat, or anywhere suitable in the vehicle. Further, the controller 46 and actuator assembly 39 may be separate units or may be combined together as a single unit.

[0061] The controller 46 may include a processing unit and non-transitory memory for executing various control strategies. The processing unit can be a custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), or generally any device for executing software instructions. The memory can include any one or combination of volatile memory elements and / or nonvolatile memory elements. The processing unit can be programmed to execute one or more programs stored in the memory. The programs may be stored in the memory as software code, for example. The programs stored in the memory may include one or more additional or separate programs, each of which includes an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions associated with controlling the valve bank. While shown as a single controller, the controller 46 may be comprised of one or more controllers. The controller 46 may also be in communication with, and responsive to instructions from, another controller.

[0062] Figures 3 A-3B show one example of an actuator assembly 50 that is coupled to a shape-memory alloy (SMA) actuator 52 that is used to move a closure member from an extended position (Figure 3A) to a retracted position (Figure 3B). The actuator assembly 50 is supported by a circuit board 54 and the SMA actuator 52 forms part of a complete circuit 48 whenconnected to the circuit board 54 and the actuator assembly 50. The complete circuit 48 allows the SMA actuator 52 to heat up to an activation temperature.

[0063] In one example, the circuit board 54 is electrically connectable to a main PCB and the controller 46 to control the electrical power being delivered to the actuator assembly 50. The circuit board 54 is thus connected to a power source which is used to apply a potential difference V (equivalent to an electrical current) to the actuator assembly. The current flows through the actuator assembly components that are formed from a conductive material and reaches the SMA actuator 52 which heats up via Joule heating. The SMA material contracts when the material reaches its temperature of activation, which causes a closure member associated with the actuator assembly 50 to move linearly. Once the power is turned off, i.e. there is no longer a potential difference V, the SMA actuator 52 returns to its initial state and the closure member can be returned to the extended position.

[0064] In one example, the actuator assembly 50 is a dual actuator assembly 50a, 50b that is associated with one circuit board 54, wherein the circuit board 54 provides structural support for the dual actuator. In one example, the actuator assembly 50 has a first closure member 56 and a second closure member 58 that are each moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. In one example, the closure members 56, 58 each comprise a valve tip / head or quick release member that is moveable between the extended position, e.g., a closed / locked position, and the retracted position, e.g., an open / unlocked position.

[0065] In one example, the circuit board 54 comprises a printed circuit board comprising a non-conductive material with conductive lines / traces printed or etched on the board, wherein electronic components are mounted on the board and the traces connect the components together to form a working circuit or assembly. In one example, the circuit board 54 extends from a first end 60 to a second end 62 and comprises a first side 64 and a second side 66 facing opposite the first side 64. The first side 64 includes a first plurality of electrical contact surfaces 68 and the second side 66 includes a second plurality of electrical contact surfaces 68 (not visible in Figure 4B but are the same as the electrical contact surfaces 68 on the first side 64). In one example, the electrical contact surfaces 68 comprise traces or pads formed on the circuit board 54.

[0066] In one example, a first actuator assembly 50a is supported by the first end 60 of the circuit board 54 and a second actuator assembly 50b is supported by the secondthat is coupled to the first closure member 56 and is in electrical contact with at least one electrical contact surface 68 on each side 64, 66 of the circuit board 54. The second actuator assembly 50b comprises a second actuator body 72 that is coupled to the first closure member 58 and is in electrical contact with at least one electrical contact surface 68 on each side 64, 66 of the circuit board 54. In one example, the first actuator body 70 and the second actuator body 72 each comprise a slider guide associated with the respective first and second ends of the circuit board 54.

[0067] A first SMA actuator 52a extends between the first actuator assembly 50a and the second actuator assembly 50b and is used to move the first closure member 56 to the retracted position in response to an electrical input. A second SMA actuator 52b extends between the first actuator assembly 50a and the second actuator assembly 50b and is used to move the second closure member 58 to the retracted position in response to an electrical input. The SMA actuator is comprised of a SMA material, e.g., alloy of nickel and titanium or other suitable material, and changes characteristics depending on the temperature and applied mechanical stress as discussed above. As the SMA actuators 52a, 52b retract / contract, a linear force component is generated that is configured to overcome a resilient biasing force of a resilient member 74 associated with each actuator body 70, 72 to move the respective closure member 56, 58 to the retracted position. Once the power is turned off, i.e. there is no longer a potential difference V, the respective SMA actuator 52a, 52b returns to its initial state and the biasing force of the resilient portion 74 returns the closure members 56, 58 to the extended position.

[0068] In one example, one or more controllers 46 are configured to receive activate and deactivate commands, and in accordance with a determination of an activate command or deactivate command, the one or more controllers 46 will control an associated one of the SMA actuators 52a, 52b to move the closure member to the desired position. Thus, if an activate command is received, the controller 46 will activate either or both of the SMA actuators 52a, 52b to move the associated closure member 56, 58 to the retracted / unlocked position, and if a deactivate command is received, the controller 46 will deactivate either or both of the SMA actuators 52a, 52b to allow the resilient member 74 to return the closure member 56, 58 to the extended / locked position.

[0069] In one example, the first closure member 56 and the second closure member 58 are actuated independently of each other. In other words, the controller 46 can be configuredto control the actuator assemblies 50a, 50b such that each closure member 56, 58 moves separately of the other.

[0070] In one example, the first closure member 56 and the second closure member 58 are actuated in unison. In other words, the controller 46 can be configured to control the actuator assemblies 50a, 50b such that each closure member 56, 58 moves together as a unit.

[0071] In one example, the circuit board 54 comprises a single printed circuit board that supports both actuator assemblies 50a, 50b. In other words, there is only one single circuit board 54 that structurally supports both actuator assemblies 50a, 50b.

[0072] In one example, the first actuator body 70 and the second actuator body 72 are solely supported, e.g., free from other supports, by the circuit board 54.

[0073] In one example, the first actuator assembly 50a and the second actuator assembly 50b are operable along a single axis of movement A. In other words, each actuator assembly 50a, 50b is movable along only one axial path.

[0074] In one example, each actuator assembly 50a, 50b, further comprises a moveable attachment interface 78 associated with at least one electrical contact surface 68 on the first side 64 of the circuit board 54, and a fixed attachment interface 80 associated with at least one electrical contact surface 68 on the second side 66 of the circuit board 54. In one example, the moveable attachment interface 78 comprises a slider block with a movable crimp attachment 82. In one example, the fixed attachment interface 80 comprises a fixed crimp 84.

[0075] In one example, the first SMA actuator 52b has a first end attached to the moveable attachment interface 78 of the first actuator assembly 50a and a second end attached to the fixed attachment interface 80 of the second actuator assembly 50b. The second SMA actuator 52b has a first end attached to the moveable attachment interface 78 of the second actuator assembly 50b and a second end attached to the fixed attachment interface 80 of the first actuator assembly 50a.

[0076] In one example, the actuator assemblies 50a, 50b are mirrored components in a configuration where components from one side of the circuit board 54 are the same as the ones on the opposite side of the circuit board 54 but rotated to a mirrored position. In one example, each actuator body 70, 72 comprises a slider guide 85. In one example, the slider guide 85 comprises a block-shaped body that is held fixed relative to the circuit board 54. Each actuator assembly 50a, 50b further includes a sliding connector 86 (Figure 6), e.g., a block shaped bodymoveable relative to the slider guide 85 and circuit board 54, that is coupled to one side of the slider guide 85. The sliding connector 86 includes the movable crimp attachment 82, e.g., SMA wire connector, and contacts an electrical contact surface 68 on a respective side 64, 66 of the circuit board 54. In one example, the electrical contract surface 68 comprises an elongated trace pad on the circuit board 54 that has a sufficient length to accommodate the range of movement of the sliding connector 86 during extension and retraction.

[0077] In one example, each actuator assembly 50a, 50b further includes the fixed crimp 84 that is fixed to an opposite side of the slider guide 85 from the sliding connector 86 and contacts an electrical contact surface 68 on an opposite side of the circuit board 54 from the contact surface 68 associated with the sliding connector 86. In one example, the fixed crimp 84 comprises a block-shaped body with a wire grip. In one example, the first SMA actuator 52a comprises a first wire that extends from the movable crimp 82 of the slider guide 85 of the first actuator assembly 50a to the fixed crimp 84 of the slider guide 85 of the second actuator assembly 50b; and the second SMA actuator 52b comprises a second wire that extends from the movable crimp 82 of the slider guide 85 of the second actuator assembly 50b to the fixed crimp 84 of the slider guide 85 of the first actuator assembly 50a. In one example, the SMA wire comprises a thin, round, and elongated element; however, other types of SMA actuators could be used such as a flat-wire, a band, or a strap for example.

[0078] In one example, each actuator assembly 50a, 50b includes a resilient member 74, such as a coil spring for example, which biases the closure members 56, 58 to the extended position. In the example shown in Figures 5A-5B the resilient members 74 are externally mounted and react between the associated slider guide 85 and the closure members 56, 58 associated with the sliding connector 86 that moves the closure members 56, 58. In another example, the resilient members 74 are in an enclosed configuration, This will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0079] The slider guide 85 is shown in greater detail in Figures 5A-5B. In one example, the slider guide 85 includes a channel 88 that receives the sliding connector 86. The sliding connector 86 has one end formed with the movable crimp 82 and an opposite end that is coupled to the closure member 56, 58. In the example shown in Figures 5A-5B the closure members 56, 58 comprise a valve tip or head 90 that is associated with the massage bladder assemblies as shown in Figure 2. In one example, the closure members 56, 58 have a body 92 thatextends away from the head 90 to connect with the sliding connector 86. The valve head 90 and sliding connector 86 are fixed together such that they move as a unit. In one example, the body 92 includes a first portion that extends upwardly away from the tip 90 and a second portion that extends rearwardly from the first portion to connect to the sliding connector 86. This leaves an open area for the resilient member 74 which reacts between a first seat 94 on the first portion of the body 92 and a second seat 96 on the slider guide 85.

[0080] In one example, walls that define the channel 88 have a removed section 98 to allow access to the moveable crimp 82. In one example, the fixed crimp 84 is fixed to an opposite side of the slider guide 85 from the moveable crimp 82 as shown in Figure 5B.

[0081] The sliding connector 86 and moveable crimp 82 are shown in greater detail in Figure 6. The moveable crimp 82 is at one end of the sliding connector 86. The opposite of the sliding connector 86 connects to the body 92 of the closure member and comprises a flat plate portion 100 that fits within the channel 88. A sliding connector tab 102 extends from the flat plate portion 100 and is configured to engage one of the electrical contact surfaces 68 on the circuit board 54. The moveable crimp 82 comprises a pair of flat plates 104 with the crimp interface being provided between the plates 104 such that one end of the wire body of the SMA actuator 52 is placed between the plates 104, which are then pressed / crimped against each other and the wire body.

[0082] The slider guide 85 and fixed crimp 84 are shown in greater detail in Figures 7A-7B. One end of the fixed attachment interface 80 is fixed to the body of the slider guide 85 and an opposite end of the fixed attachment interface 80 comprises the fixed crimp 84. The fixed crimp 84 comprises a pair of flat plates 106 with the crimp interface being provided between the plates 106 such that one end of the wire body of the SMA actuator 52 is placed between the plates 106, which are then pressed / crimped against each other and the wire body. In one example, the slider guide 85 includes a first pair of retainers 108, e.g. snap tabs or tangs, that are used to fix the slider guide 85 to one side of the circuit board 54, and further includes a second pair of retainers 110 that are used to fix another portion of the slider guide 85 to opposing edges of the circuit board 54 to provide stable support.

[0083] Figure 8A shows another example of a dual actuator assembly 50’ which is similar to that shown in Figures 4A-4B but includes closure members 56, 58 that comprise a latchor hook instead of a valve head. Further, the actuator assembly 50’ is enclosed within a housing 112 to further protect the components.

[0084] Figure 8B is an exploded view that shows an example of a module (Figures 5A-5B and Figures 7A-7B) that is securable to one end of the circuit board 54. Each module of each actuator assembly 50a’. 50b’ includes a slider guide 85, a sliding connector 86 and moveable crimp 82, a fixed crimp 84, and a resilient member 74. These components are similar to those as discussed above. In this example, the closure member 56, 58 comprises a latch or hook 114. An associated guide member 116 is fixed to the housing 112 and includes an opening associated with the latch / hook 114. When the module of Figure 8B is assembled it is attached to the first end 60 of the circuit board 64. A second module, which is the same as the module shown in Figure 8B is then assembled and rotated 180 degrees and attached to the second end 62 of the circuit board 54 as shown in Figure 8A. Then two SMA actuators 52 are installed. One end of the first actuator 52 is attached to the moveable crimp 82 of the first module and the opposite end is attached to fixed crimp 84 of the second module. One end of the second actuator 52 is attached to the fixed crimp 84 of the first module and the opposite end is attached to the movable crimp 82 of the second module.

[0085] Figures 9A-9D show an example of the closure member 56, 58 being moved between the extended and retracted positions. Figure 9A is a side view of the actuator assembly from Figure 8A with the resilient member 74 biasing the closure member to the extended position Figure 9B is a top view of the actuator assembly from Figure 9A and shows the electrical contact surface 68 that is to be engaged with the sliding connector tab 102 (Figure 7B) of the sliding connector 86.

[0086] Figure 9C is a side view of the actuator assembly in the retracted position and Figure 9D is a top view of the actuator assembly from Figure 9C. To reach the retracted position, the controller 46 powers the actuator assembly to heat the SMA actuator 52, which then contracts and overcomes the biasing force of the resilient member 74. The force generated by the actuator 52 compresses the resilient member 74 and pulls the sliding connector 86 and closure member 56, 58 in a linear direction, and the sliding connector tab 102 slides along the electrical contact surface 68 to maintain the closed circuit. Once the circuit is no longer powered, the spring force of the resilient member 74 will return the sliding connector 86 and closure member 56, 58 to the extended position.

[0087] Figures 10A-10C shown another example of a dual actuator assembly 200 that comprises first and second actuator assemblies 200a, 200b, which are mirrored components in a configuration where components from one side of the circuit board 54 are the same as the ones on the opposite side of the circuit board 54 but rotated to a mirrored position. In one example, each actuator assembly 200a, 200b comprises a slider guide 202 that is held fixed relative to the circuit board 54. Each actuator assembly 200a, 200b further includes a sliding connector 204 that is moveable relative to the slider guide 202 and circuit board 54, and which is coupled to one side of the slider guide 202. The sliding connector 204 includes the movable crimp attachment 206 (Figure 11) and includes sliding connector tabs 208 that contact electrical contact surfaces 68 on a respective side 64, 66 of the circuit board 54. In one example, the electrical contact surface 68 comprises an elongated trace pad on circuit board 54 having a sufficient length to accommodate the range of movement of the sliding connector tabs 208 during extension and retraction.

[0088] In one example, each actuator assembly 200a, 200b further includes a fixed crimp 210 (Figure 12) that is fixed to an opposite side of the slider guide 202 from the sliding connector 204 and contacts an electrical contact surface 68 on an opposite side of the circuit board 54 from the contact surface 68 associated with the sliding connector 204. The first SMA actuator 52a comprises a first wire that extends from the movable crimp 206 of the slider guide 202 of the first actuator assembly 200a to the fixed crimp 210 of the slider guide 202 of the second actuator assembly 200b. The second SMA actuator 52b comprises a second wire that extends from the movable crimp 206 of the slider guide 202 of the second actuator assembly 50b to the fixed crimp 110 of the slider guide 202 of the first actuator assembly 200a.

[0089] In one example, each actuator assembly 200a, 200b includes a resilient member 212, such as a coil spring for example, which biases an associated closure member 214 to the extended position. In the example shown in Figures 10A-10B, the resilient members 212 are enclosed within a portion 216 of the actuator that is formed as part of the slider guide 202 and reacts between the portion 216 and a shoulder 218 on the closure member 214.

[0090] In one example shown in Figure 10C, the closure member 214 comprises an elongated body 220 extending between a valve head 222 and a distal end 224 that is fixed for movement with the sliding connector 204. The portion 216 of the actuator includes an internal cavity 226 that is open at a first end 228 to receive the body 220 and has end wall 230 at an opposite end that includes an opening 230 through which the distal end 224 of the body 220 extends. Theresilient member 212 is positioned within the internal cavity 226 and surrounds the body 220. The resilient member 212 reacts between the end wall 230 and the shoulder 218 formed on the body 220. In one example, the portion 216 includes a connector 232 that is connected to the fixed crimp 210.

[0091] Figures 10A-C also show one example of a dual actuator assembly 200 that includes an optional air shield 280. The air shield 280 is located at both ends of the dual actuator assembly 20 for each actuator assembly 200a, 200b. In one implementation, the air shield 280 is necessary for the use of the actuator in a pneumatic system 282 as shown in Figure 22. In one example, the pneumatic system 282 includes a housing 284 that encloses a plurality of dual actuator assemblies 200. The housing 284 has a fluid inlet 286 to direct flow 288 along a flow path associated with one end of the housing 284. As shown in the example of Figure 22, between adjacent actuator assemblies 200, are sealing surfaces as indicated at 290. An air shield 280 for each actuator is positioned between adjacent sets of sealing surfaces 290. The air shield’s 280 function is to seal air circuits inside the valve housing 284.

[0092] In one example, the air shield 280 is made from a flexible material that deforms when placed in position. The deformation ensures the contact of the air shield against the walls of the housing 284 creating sealing at the sealing surfaces 290. The air shield 280 is not necessary for the functioning of the actuator itself; however, it is beneficial when used in a configuration were multiple actuators are used as part of a valve bank system as shown in Figure 22, for example.

[0093] Figures 23A-B show one example of an air shield 280. In this example, the air shield 280 comprises a generally flat plate 292 from which a boss 294 extends from one side 296. The boss 294 has an opening 298 that extends from one end of the boss 294 to an opposite side 299 of the flat plate 292. The opening 294 is associated with the closure members. As discussed above, the air shield 280 is an optional component. The air shield 280 is shown as being used in example configurations set forth in Figures 10A-C and Figures 13A-B. However, Figures 4A-B and 5A-B are examples of configurations that do not use the air shield. It should be understood that any actuator configuration disclosed herein could be used with or without an air shield.

[0094] Figure 11 shows the moveable crimp 206 in greater detail. In this example, the moveable crimp 206 includes a pair of legs 234 with openings 236 that couple the crimp to thesliding connector 204. In one example, one of the legs 234 of the moveable crimp 206 further includes a pair of plates 238 between which the wire body of the SMA actuator 52 is crimped. The legs 234 join together at a vertical wall portion 240 which then transitions to the sliding connector tabs 208 which extend transverse, i.e. non-parallel, to the wall portion 240. Each tab 208 is associated with its own electrical contact surface 68 to provide for at least two point electrical contact.

[0095] Figure 12 shows the fixed crimp 210 in greater detail. In one example, the fixed crimp 210 includes a vertically extending tab portion 242 associated with a pair of plates 244 between which the wire body of the SMA actuator 52 is crimped. The tab portion 242 transitions into a plate portion 246 with an opening 248 that receives the connector 232 from the portion 216 of the actuator. The plate portion 246 then transitions to a pair of electrical tabs 250, where each tab 250 is associated with its own electrical contact surface 68 to provide for two point electrical contact.

[0096] Figures 13A-13B show a module configuration for the actuator assembly 200 of Figures 10A-10C. Figure 13A shows an example of a first module 260 that is securable to the first end 60 of the circuit board 54 and Figure 13B shows an example of a second module 262 that is securable to the second end 62 of the circuit board 54. The modules 260, 262 are identical to each other. The first module 260 is attached to the first end 60 and the second module 262 is rotated 180 degrees relative to the position of the first module 260 and is attached to the second end 62 of the circuit board 54 to provide a mirrored configuration. Then two SMA actuators 52 are installed. One end of the first actuator 52 is attached to the moveable crimp 206 of the first module 260 and the opposite end is attached to the fixed crimp 210 of the second module 262. One end of the second actuator 52 is attached to the fixed crimp 210 of the first module 260 and the opposite end is attached to the movable crimp 206 of the second module 262. This configuration provides for balanced friction force (symmetrical design on each side of the SMA wire), which is necessary to guarantee the linear motion of the actuator and prevent a torque on the actuator slider for durability. Figures 13A-13B also show an optional air shield 280 for each module 260, 262.

[0097] Figures 14A-14B show an example of a circuit board configuration with potentiometric sensing. In one example, a circuit board 300 includes a plurality of electrical contact surfaces 302, e g., traces or pads, wherein at least one electrical surface 302 comprises avariable resistivity. As known, resistivity is a measure of the opposition to current flow in an electrical circuit. In one example, at least one moveable electrical contact member 304 is in sliding contact with the at least one electrical surface 302. For example, the moveable electrical contact member 304 comprises the sliding connector tabs 208 as shown in Figures 10A-10C, and which are in direct sliding engagement with the electrical surface 302 with movement along a linear path. In one example, the controller 46 controls movement of the moveable electrical contact member 304 via activation / deactivation of the SMA actuator 52. In one example, the controller 46 receives resistivity data from sliding movement of the moveable electrical contact member 304 along the electrical surface 302, and in accordance with an identification of a change in resistivity, the controller 46 determines a relative position or displacement of the closure member. Thus, the interaction between the member 304 and the surface 302 serves as a potentiometer to measure electromotive forces, e g. the sliding contact is used to sense the actuator displacement / position.

[0098] In one example, the electrical contact surface 302 is comprised of a plurality of different materials. In one example, each material has a different resistivity. In the example shown, the electrical contact surface 302 is comprised of at least three different materials 302a, 302b, 302c; however any number of surfaces / materials could be used. Those skilled in the art who have the benefit of this description will be able to determine the types of materials that would be applied for these purposes. The electrical contact between the member 304 and the surface 302 provides for an electrical circuit closed loop 306.

[0099] In one example, the relative position or displacement of the closure member, for example closure members 56, 58, 114, 214, is determined based on measured resistivity, and the displacement or position determination of the closure member is introduced into a feedback control loop strategy. In an example feedback control system there is typically an input, a process being controlled, an output, sensing elements, and controller and actuating devices. The controller 46 control s / activates the SMA material to control movement of the closure members and the sliding contact between the circuit board surfaces 302a, 302b, 302c and the moveable member 304 associated with the closure member can be used to determine actuator position. The resistance of the electrical circuit 306 will change depending on the actuator position. Figure 14A shows a first member position with an electrical resistance R1 and Figure 14B shows a second member position with an electrical resistance R2. This resistance information can be used to interpret the actuatorposition and be introduced into a feedback control loop strategy to control / regulate actuator power. The power regulation can happen either passively, or via an algorithm.[000100] In one example, the circuit board 300 is used in a dual actuator configuration where the electrical contact surface 302 with variable resistivity is on both sides of the circuit board 54 in any of the dual actuator configurations discussed above. Thus, each side 64, 66 of the circuit board 54 would include one or more electrical contact surfaces 302, with each surface 302 being comprised of two or more different materials with different resistivities. Thus, the position / displacement of each closure member can be determined and monitored.[000101] Figure 15 is a schematic representation of a coupled actuator configuration with one active closure member being used to control another passive closure member. In one example, a first closure member 500 and a second closure member 502 are each moveable between an extended position and a contracted position. A circuit board 504 extends from a first end 506 to a second end 508 and comprises a first side 510 and a second side 512 facing opposite the first side 510. In one example, only the first side 510 includes one or more electrical contact surfaces 514.[000102] In one example, a first actuator assembly 516 is supported by the circuit board 504 and includes a first actuator body 518 held fixed relative to the circuit board 504 and a second actuator body 520 coupled to the first closure member 500. The first actuator body 518 is in electrical contact with at least one electrical contact surface 514. In one example, a SMA actuator 522 extends between the first actuator body 518 and the second actuator body 520. The SMA actuator 522 moves the first closure member 500 to the contracted position in response to an electrical input in a manner similar to that described above.[000103] In one example, a second actuator assembly 530 comprises a third actuator body 532 coupled to the second closure member 502 and a coupler assembly 534 is driven by the second actuator body 520 and drives the third actuator body 532. In one example, the coupler assembly 534 comprises rotatable element, e.g. a gear interface, toothed interface, etc. In one example, the third actuator body 532 is on an opposite side of the circuit board 504 from the first actuator body 518 and the second actuator body 520.[000104] In one example, the circuit board 504 comprises a single circuit board, e.g., only one circuit board, with the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 514 being only on one side.[000105] In one example, the SMA actuator 522 comprises a single actuator that simultaneously drives both the first closure member 500 and the second closure member 502. In one example the single actuator comprises a single wire, strap, or band.[000106] In one example, the single wire is only positioned on one side of the circuit board 504.[000107] In one example, wherein the single wire comprises one end 550 fixed to the circuit board 504 and an opposite end 552 coupled for movement with the first closure member 500.[000108] In one example, the circuit board has a pass-through 554 with a coupling interface area 556 being used to connect the third actuator body 532, e.g., the passive actuator, to the second actuator body 520, e.g., the active actuator. In one example, the pass-through 554 comprises an opening extending through a thickness of the circuit board 504, and the coupling interface area 556 is a pass-through that is open to both the second 520 and third 532 actuator bodies.[000109] In one example, the pass-through 554 comprises a discrete opening extending through a thickness of the circuit board 504.[000110] In one example, the coupler assembly 534 comprises at least one rotatable element 560. In one example, the rotatable element comprises a gear interface or a toothed interface. In one example, the rotatable element 560 is directly between, and directly engages, the second actuator body 520 and the third actuator body 532.[000111] In one example, the rotatable element 560 comprises at least one gear in meshing engagement with the second actuator body 520 and in meshing engagement with the third actuator body 532. In one example, the gear comprises a body have a toothed periphery.[000112] In one example, a flexible cable 600 as shown in Figures 16A-16B can be used as an alternative to sliding contact. In one example, the flexible cable 600 comprises a bendable body member that is moveable between various positions. Figure 16A shows a circuit board 602 with an electrical contact surface 604 that is associated with a first end 606 of the cable 600. A second end 608 of the cable 600 is associated with a moveable actuating element 610 associated with a closure member. In Figure 16A the actuating element 610 is in an extended position and in Figure 16B the actuating element 610 is in a retracted position.[000113] Figure 16C shows another example of a flexible cable 612 that can be used as an alternative to sliding contact. In one example, the flexible cable 612 comprises a bendable body member that is moveable between various positions. In this example, there is a first cable crimp 614 at one end of a circuit board 616 and a second cable crimp 618 at an opposite end of the circuit board 616. In one implementation, the circuit board 614 has an electrical contact surface 620 that is associated with the first cable crimp 614. A first wire crimp 622 is adjacent to the first cable crimp 614 and connects to one end of a SMA wire 624. A second wire crimp 626 is adjacent to the second cable crimp 618 and connects to an opposite end of the SMA wire 624. The circuit board 614 has an electrical contact surface 628 that is associated with the first wire crimp 622.[000114] The first cable crimp 614 and the first wire crimp 622 are static crimps and the second cable crimp 618 and the second wire crimp 626 are moveable crimps. One end of the cable 616 is connected to the first cable crimp 614 and an opposite end of the cable 616 is connected to the second cable crimp 618. As such, this comprises a free hanging cable 612 that is crimped and not under tension to complete the circuit. The cable 612 can roll back and forth during actuation of the SMA wire 624 to move a closure member associated with the movable crimps.[000115] Figures 17A-17B show different circuit board configurations. Figure 17A shows a single contact configuration as used in the assembly shown in Figures 4A-4B, for example. In this example configuration, there is a single circuit board 700 that is to be associated with the sliding connector 86 with the sliding connector tab 102 and the fixed crimp 84. The circuit board 700 extends between a first end 702 and a second end 704. The sliding connector tab 102 of the sliding connector 86 is associated one electrical contact surface 706 (or 708 for the other end), to provide for single point electrical contact. The fixed crimp 84 is also in contact with one electrical contact surface 706 or 708 dependent on which end of the circuit board 700 the fixed crimp 84 is associated with. The first end 702 of the circuit board 700 includes a single leg extension and the second end 704 of the circuit board 700 include a single leg extension. The circuit board 700 has side cut-out areas 710 on either side of the leg extensions to receive / mount the actuator assemblies 50a, 50b.[000116] Figure 17B shows a double contact (redundancy) configuration as used in the example shown in Figures 10A-10C. In this example configuration, there is a single circuit board 712 that is to be associated with the moveable crimp 206 and fixed crimp 210. The circuit board 712 extends between a first end 714 and a second end 716. The sliding connector tabs 208of the moveable crimp 206 are each associated with their own electrical contact surface 718 to provide for two point electrical contact. The electrical tabs 250 of the fixed crimp 210 are each associated with their own electrical contact surface 720 to provide for two point electrical contact. The first end 714 of the circuit board 712 includes a pair of legs 722 and the second end 716 of the circuit board 712 includes a pair of legs 724. Each pair of legs 722, 724 is separated by a center cut-out area 726. The modules 260, 262 of Figures 13A-13B are fit within these cut-out areas 726 and mounted to the circuit board 712 to form the actuator assembly 200.[000117] In one example shown in Figure 18, a module configuration 750 is provided for a plurality of actuator assemblies 752 that are mounted to a single circuit board 754. In one example, each actuator assembly 752 includes a first module 756 and a second module 758. The first module 756 is securable to a first end 760 of the circuit board 754 the second module 758 is securable to a second end 762 of the circuit board 754 to form a dual actuator. Thus, a single circuit board 754 is used to hold several dual actuator assemblies 752. Any module configuration can be used for the first 756 and second 758 modules. Modules 260, 262 of Figures 13A-13B are just one example of modules that could be used.[000118] Figures 19A-D show another example embodiment that utilizes a resilient connector that can be used in place of a flex cable style connection, for example. In this example, each dual actuator assembly 800 includes a first module 802 and a second module 804 that are respectively mounted to opposite ends of a circuit board 806. In one example, each module 802, 804 includes a moveable crimp 808 and a fixed crimp 810. An SMA wire 812 has one end attached to the moveable crimp 808 and an opposite end attached to the fixed crimp 810. The moveable crimps 808 are associated with closure members 814 in a manner similar to that disclosed above. In one example, optional air shields 816 are also provided as discussed above.[000119] In this example, the actuator assembly 800 utilizes a resilient connector 818, such as a coil spring for example, to close the electrical loop. As shown in Figure 19A, the resilient connectors 818 have one spring end 820 that is connected to the moveable crimp 808 (Figure 19C) and an opposite spring end 822 that is connected to the circuit board 806 (Figure 19D). In one example, the spring end 820 that is connected to the moveable crimp 808 comprises a hook that is received within an opening 824 formed in a distal end of the moveable crimp 808. In one example, the spring end 822 that is connected to the circuit board 806 comprises a hook that is received within an opening 826 formed in the circuit board 806. The opening 826 includes an electricalcontact point 828 that is in direct contact with at least a portion of the hook. The fixed crimp 810 has legs 830 that contact electrical contacts 832 on the circuit board 806 to complete the circuit as shown in Figure 19B.[000120] There are many different options that can be used to attach either a flex cable or a resilient element to the circuit board. Some of these options include soldering, crimping, ultrasonic / laser welding, PCB melting, or rotational mounts. Other attachment methods could also be used.[000121] Figures 20A-C show another example of a dual actuator assembly 850 where an SMA wire 852 is not centered along the a circuit board 854. In this example, the SMA wire 852 has a first end connected to a static crimp 856 and a second end connected to a moveable crimp 858. The static crimp 856 has one leg 860 in contact with an electrical contact 862 on the circuit board 854. And the moveable crimp 858 has one leg 864 in sliding contact with an electrical contact 866 on the circuit board 854. The moveable crimp 858 is attached to a movable slider 868 and is associated with a closure member 870. The movable plunger closure member is defaced from the slider and the movable crimp 858 is attached with a bite edge 872 to the movable slider 868.[000122] In this example configuration, the SMA wires 852 extend along opposing edges 874, 876 of the circuit board 854 (see Figure 20A) instead of along the center of the circuit board. In this example, the circuit board 854 has a “Z” shape as shown in Figure 20C to accommodate the moveable crimps 858 in recessed areas 878.[000123] Figures 21A-C show another example of a dual actuator assembly 900 where all moving parts are on the same side of a circuit board 902. In this variation, the circuit board 902 also has the Z shape and both SMA wires 904 are on a same side “face” of the circuit board 902 but on opposite sides. In this example, the SMA wires 904 are also not centered along the circuit board 902. In this example, the SMA wire 904 has a first end connected to a static crimp 906 and a second end connected to a moveable crimp 908. The static crimp 906 has one leg 910 in contact with an electrical contact 912 on the circuit board 902. And the moveable crimp 908 has one leg 914 in sliding contact with an electrical contact 916 on the circuit board 902. The moveable crimp 908 is attached to a movable slider 918 and is associated with a closure member 920. The movable plunger closure member is defaced from the slider and the movable crimp 908 is attached with a bite edge 922 to the movable slider 908.[000124] In this example configuration, the SMA wires 904 extend along opposing edges 924, 926 of the circuit board 902 (see Figures 21B-C) instead of along the center of the circuit board. The circuit board 902 also has a first surface 928 and a second surface 930 facing opposite of the first surface 928. In this implementation, all of the electrical contacts 912 and electrical contacts 916 are all on the first surface 928, i.e., all electrical contacts are only on one common side, of the circuit board 902. Figure 2 IB shows the actuator assembly 900 in a retracted state with both closure members 920 retracted, and Figure 21 C shows the actuator assembly 900 in a free state with both closure members 920 extended.[000125] In one example, an apparatus is provided for structurally supporting dual SMA actuators on a single circuit board. In one example, an apparatus comprises:[000126] a first closure member moveable between an extended position and a contracted position;[000127] a second closure member moveable between an extended position and a contracted position;[000128] a circuit board extending from a first end to a second end and comprising a first side and a second side facing opposite the first side, wherein the first side includes a first plurality of electrical contact surfaces and the second side includes a second plurality of electrical contact surfaces;[000129] a first actuator assembly supported by the first end of the circuit board, wherein the first actuator assembly comprises a first actuator body coupled to the first closure member, and wherein the first actuator body is in electrical contact with at least one electrical contact surface of the first plurality of electrical contact surfaces and with at least one electrical contact surface of the second plurality of electrical contact surfaces;[000130] a second actuator assembly supported by the second end of the circuit board, wherein the second actuator assembly comprises a second actuator body coupled to the second closure member, and wherein the second actuator body is in electrical contact with at least one electrical contact surface of the first plurality of electrical contact surfaces and with at least one electrical contact surface of the second plurality of electrical contact surfaces;[000131] a first shape-memory alloy actuator extending between the first actuator body and the second actuator body, wherein the first shape-memory alloy actuator moves the first closure member to the contracted position in response to an electrical input; and[000132] a second shape-memory alloy actuator extending between the first actuator body and the second actuator body, wherein the second shape-memory alloy actuator moves the second closure member to the contracted position in response to an electrical input.[000133] The apparatus may additionally include any of the following either alone or in any combination. In one example, the apparatus includes wherein the first closure member and the second closure member are actuated independently of each other.[000134] In one example, the apparatus includes wherein the first closure member and the second closure member are actuated in unison.[000135] In one example, the apparatus includes the circuit board comprises a single printed circuit board.[000136] In one example, the apparatus includes wherein the first actuator body and the second actuator body are solely supported by the circuit board.[000137] In one example, the apparatus includes, wherein the first actuator assembly and the second actuator assembly are operable along a single axis of movement.[000138] In one example, the apparatus includes wherein:[000139] the first actuator assembly further comprises[000140] a first moveable attachment interface moveable relative to the first actuator body and associated with at least one first electrical contact surface of the first plurality of electrical contact surfaces, and[000141] a first fixed attachment interface fixed to the first actuator body and associated with at least one second electrical contact surface of the second plurality of electrical contact surfaces; and[000142] the second actuator assembly comprises[000143] a second moveable attachment interface moveable relative to the second actuator body and associated with at least one second electrical contact surface of the second plurality of electrical contact surfaces, and[000144] a second fixed attachment interface fixed to the second actuator body and associated with at least one first electrical contact surface of the first plurality of electrical contact surfaces.[000145] In one example, the apparatus includes wherein:[000146] the first shape-memory alloy actuator has a first end attached to the first moveable attachment interface and a second end attached to the second fixed attachment interface; and[000147] the second shape-memory alloy actuator has a first end attached to the second moveable attachment interface and a second end attached to the first fixed attachment interface.[000148] In one example, the apparatus includes wherein:[000149] the first actuator body comprises a first slider guide and the second actuator body comprises a second slider guide, and including:[000150] a first sliding connector coupled to one side of the first slider guide, wherein the first sliding connector includes a first movable crimp and contacts the at least one electrical contact surface of the first plurality of electrical contact surfaces; and[000151] a second sliding connector coupled to one side of the second slider guide, wherein the second sliding connector includes a second movable crimp and contacts the at least one electrical contact surface of the second plurality of electrical contact surfaces.[000152] In one example, the apparatus includes wherein:[000153] a first crimp is fixed to an opposite side of the first slider guide and contacts the at least one electrical contact surface of the second plurality of electrical contact surfaces;[000154] a second crimp is fixed to an opposite side of the second slider guide and contacts the at least one electrical contact surface of the first plurality of electrical contact surfaces;[000155] the first shape-memory alloy actuator comprises a first wire that extends from the first movable crimp of the first slider guide to the second crimp of the second slider guide; and[000156] the second shape-memory alloy actuator comprises a second wire that extends from the second movable crimp of the second slider guide to the first crimp of the first slider guide.[000157] In one example, the apparatus includes wherein a first resilient member biases the first closure member to the extended position and a second resilient member biases the second closure member to the extended position, and wherein:[000158] the first resilient member is externally mounted and reacts between a first slider guide and the first sliding connector, and the second resilient member is externally mounted and reacts between a second slider guide and the second sliding connector, or[000159] the first resilient member is enclosed within a first portion of the actuator and surrounds at least a portion of the first closure member, and the second resilient member is enclosed within a second portion of the actuator and surrounds at least a portion of the second closure member.[000160] In one example, the apparatus includes, wherein the first closure member and the second closure member comprise:[000161] a valve tip or head; or[000162] a quick release member.[000163] In one example, the apparatus includes one or more controllers receiving commands, and in accordance with a determination of receipt of an activate command or a deactivate command, the one or more controllers powering on or powering off an associated one of the first shape-memory alloy actuator or second shape-memory alloy actuator.[000164] In one example, the apparatus includes at least one air shield associated with each closure member.[000165] In one example, a method is provided for structurally supporting dual SMA actuators on a single circuit board. In one example, a method comprises:[000166] providing a circuit board that extends from a first end to a second end and comprises a first side and a second side facing opposite the first side, wherein the first side includes a first plurality of electrical contact surfaces and the second side includes a second plurality of electrical contact surfaces;[000167] supporting a first actuator assembly on the first end of the circuit board, wherein the first actuator assembly comprises a first actuator body coupled to a first closure member that is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position; putting the first actuator body in electrical contact with at least one electrical contact surface of the first plurality of electrical contact surfaces and with at least one electrical contact surface of the second plurality of electrical contact surfaces;[000168] supporting a second actuator assembly on the second end of the circuit board, wherein the second actuator assembly comprises a second actuator body coupled to a second closure member that is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position;[000169] putting the second actuator body in electrical contact with at least one electrical contact surface of the first plurality of electrical contact surfaces and with at least one electrical contact surface of the second plurality of electrical contact surfaces;[000170] coupling a first shape-memory alloy actuator to the first actuator body and the second actuator body;[000171] coupling a second shape-memory alloy actuator to the first actuator body and the second actuator body;[000172] moving the first closure member to the contracted position via the first shape-memory alloy actuator in response to an electrical input; and[000173] moving the second closure member to the contracted position via the second shape-memory alloy actuator in response to an electrical input.[000174] The method may additionally include any of the following either alone or in any combination. In one example, the method includes independently moving the first closure member and the second closure member relative to each other.[000175] In one example, the method includes moving the first closure member and the second closure member in unison.[000176] In one example, the method includes solely supporting the first actuator body and the second actuator body with the circuit board.[000177] In one example, the method includes operating the first actuator assembly and the second actuator assembly along a single axis of movement.[000178] In one example, the method includes biasing the first closure member and the second closure member to the extended position.[000179] In one example, the method includes: crimping one end of the first shapememory alloy actuator to the first actuator assembly and crimping an opposite end of the first shape-memory alloy actuator to the second actuator assembly; crimping one end of the second shape-memory alloy actuator to the second actuator assembly and crimping an opposite end of the second shape-memory alloy actuator to the first actuator assembly; and in accordance with a determination of receipt of a deactivation command or an activate command, powering on orpowering off an associated one of the first shape-memory alloy actuator or second shape-memory alloy actuator.[000180] L In one example, the actuator assembly provides potentiometric sensing with sliding contact along the circuit board.[000181] In one example, an apparatus comprises:[000182] a closure member moveable between an extended position and a contracted position;[000183] an actuator assembly coupled to the closure member and including at least one moveable electrical contact member moveable with the closure member;[000184] a circuit board comprising a plurality of electrical contact surfaces, wherein at least one electrical surface of the plurality of electrical surfaces comprises a variable resistivity, and wherein the at least one moveable electrical contact member is in sliding contact with the at least one electrical surface; and[000185] one or more controllers controlling movement of the at least one moveable electrical contact member, the one or more controllers: receiving resistivity data from sliding movement of the at least one moveable electrical contact member along the at least one electrical surface, and in accordance with an identification of a change in resistivity, determining a relative position or displacement of the closure member.[000186] The apparatus may include one or more of the following features either alone or in any combination. In one example, the at least one electrical contact surface is comprised of a plurality of different materials.[000187] In one example, each material has a different resistivity.[000188] In one example, the relative position or displacement of the closure member is determined based on measured resistivity, and wherein displacement or position determination of the closure member is introduced into a feedback control loop strategy.[000189] In one example, the closure member comprises a first closure member moveable between an extended position and a contracted position, and including a second closure member moveable between an extended position and a contracted position, and wherein the first closure member and the second closure member are moveable along a single axis of motion.[000190] In one example, the actuator assembly comprises a first actuator assembly coupled to the first closure member and wherein the at least one moveable electrical contact member comprises at least one first moveable electrical contact member moveable with the first closure member, and including a second actuator assembly coupled to the second closure member and comprising at least one second moveable electrical contact member moveable with the second closure member.[000191] In one example: the circuit board comprises a first side and a second side facing opposite the first side, and wherein the plurality of electrical contact surfaces comprises a first plurality of electrical contact surfaces on the first side and a second plurality of electrical contact surfaces on the second side; at least one first electrical surface of the first plurality of electrical surfaces has a variable resistivity; and at least one second electrical surface of the second plurality of electrical surfaces has a variable resistivity.[000192] In one example, the at least one first electrical surface is comprised of a first plurality of materials each comprising a different resistivity, and the at least one second electrical surface is comprised of a second plurality of materials each comprising a different resistivity.[000193] In one example, the first plurality of materials comprises at least three different materials, and wherein the second plurality of materials comprises at least three different materials.[000194] In one example, the configuration includes the one or more controllers: receiving resistivity data from sliding movement of the at least one first moveable electrical contact member along the at least one first electrical surface, and in accordance with an identification of a change in resistivity, determining a relative position or displacement of the first closure member; and receiving resistivity data from sliding movement of the at least one second moveable electrical contact member along the at least one second electrical surface, and in accordance with an identification of a change in resistivity, determining a relative position or displacement of the second closure member.[000195] In one example, the at least one moveable electrical contact member comprises a rigid bar or a flexible cable.[000196] In one example, a method comprises:[000197] providing a circuit board comprising a plurality of electrical contact surfaces, wherein at least one electrical contact surface of the plurality of electrical contact surfaces has a variable resistivity;[000198] moving a closure member between an extended position and a contracted position via an actuator assembly comprising at least one moveable electrical contact member moveable with the closure member;[000199] monitoring resistivity as the at least one moveable electrical contact member slides along the at least one electrical contact surface; and[000200] in accordance with an identification of a change in resistivity, determining a relative position or displacement of the closure member.[000201] The method can include any of the following steps / features either alone or in any combination thereof. For example, the at least one electrical contact surface is comprised of a plurality of different materials.[000202] In one example, each material has a different resistivity.[000203] In one example, the method includes measuring resistivity to determine the relative position or displacement of the closure member, and introducing displacement or position determination of the closure member into a feedback control loop strategy.[000204] In one example, the closure member comprises a first closure member moveable between an extended position and a contracted position, and the method includes a second closure member moveable between an extended position and a contracted position, and including actuating the first closure member and the second closure member along a single axis of motion.[000205] In one example, the actuator assembly comprises a first actuator coupled to the first closure member and wherein the at least one moveable electrical contact member comprises at least one first moveable electrical contact member moveable with the first closure member, and the method includes providing a second actuator assembly coupled to the second closure member and comprising at least one second moveable electrical contact member moveable with the second closure member.[000206] In one example, the circuit board comprises a first side and a second side facing opposite the first side, and wherein the plurality of electrical contact surfaces comprises a first plurality of electrical contact surfaces on the first side and a second plurality of electricalcontact surfaces on the second side; at least one first electrical surface of the first plurality of electrical surfaces has a variable resistivity; and at least one second electrical surface of the second plurality of electrical surfaces has a variable resistivity.[000207] In one example, the at least one first electrical surface is comprised of a first plurality of materials each comprising a different resistivity, and the at least one second electrical surface is comprised of a second plurality of materials each comprising a different resistivity.[000208] In one example, the method includes:[000209] receiving resistivity data from sliding movement of the at least one first moveable electrical contact member along the at least one first electrical surface, and in accordance with an identification of a change in resistivity, determining a relative position or displacement of the first closure member; and[000210] receiving resistivity data from sliding movement of the at least one second moveable electrical contact member along the at least one second electrical surface, and in accordance with an identification of a change in resistivity, determining a relative position or displacement of the second closure member.[000211] II, In one example, an assembly comprises coupled actuators where there is one active actuator and one passive actuator coupled for movement together.[000212] In one example, an apparatus comprises:[000213] a first closure member moveable between an extended position and a contracted position;[000214] a second closure member moveable between an extended position and a contracted position;[000215] a circuit board extending from a first end to a second end and comprising a first side and a second side facing opposite the first side, wherein the first side includes a plurality of electrical contact surfaces;[000216] a first actuator assembly supported by the circuit board, wherein the first actuator assembly comprises a first actuator body held fixed relative to the circuit board and a second actuator body coupled to the first closure member, and wherein the first actuator body is in electrical contact with at least one electrical contact surface of the plurality of electrical contact surfaces;[000217] a shape-memory alloy actuator extending between the first actuator body and the second actuator body, wherein the shape-memory alloy actuator moves the first closure member to the contracted position in response to an electrical input;[000218] a second actuator assembly comprising a third actuator body coupled to the second closure member; and[000219] a coupler assembly driven by the second actuator body and driving the third actuator body.[000220] The apparatus may include one or more of the following features either alone or in any combination. In one example, the circuit board comprises a single circuit board with the plurality of electrical contact surfaces being only on one side.[000221] In one example, the shape-memory alloy actuator comprises a single actuator that simultaneously drives both the first closure member and the second closure member.[000222] In one example, the single actuator comprises a single wire.[000223] In one example, the single wire is only positioned on one side of the circuit board.[000224] In one example, the single wire comprises one end fixed to the circuit board and an opposite end coupled for movement with the first closure member.[000225] In one example, the circuit board has a pass-through with a coupling interface connecting the third actuator body to the second actuator body.[000226] In one example, the pass-through comprises a discrete opening extending through a thickness of the circuit board.[000227] In one example, the coupler assembly comprises at least one rotatable element.[000228] In one example, the rotatable element is directly between the second actuator body and the third actuator body.[000229] In one example, the rotatable element comprises at least one gear in meshing engagement with the second actuator body and in meshing engagement with the third actuator body.[000230] In one example, the third actuator body is on an opposite side of the circuit board from the first actuator body and the second actuator body.[000231] In one example, the first closure member and the second closure member each include an actuator tip that comprises: a valve tip or head; or a quick release member.[000232] In one example, a method comprises:[000233] positioning a first closure member on one side of a circuit board, the first closure member moveable between an extended position and a contracted position;[000234] positioning a second closure member on an opposite side of the circuit board, the second closure member moveable between an extended position and a contracted position;[000235] supporting a first actuator assembly on the circuit board, wherein the first actuator assembly comprises a first actuator body held fixed relative to the circuit board and a second actuator body coupled to the first closure member;[000236] putting the first actuator body in electrical contact with at least one electrical contact surface of the circuit board;[000237] supporting a second actuator assembly on the circuit board, wherein the second actuator assembly comprises a third actuator body;[000238] coupling the third actuator body of the second actuator assembly to the second closure member;[000239] connecting one end of a shape-memory alloy actuator to the first actuator body and connecting a second end of the shape-memory alloy actuator to the second actuator body; and[000240] providing an electrical input to activate the shape-memory alloy actuator to move the first closure member to the contracted position while simultaneously moving the second closure member to the contracted position by driving the third actuator body via input from the second actuator body.[000241] The method can include any of the following steps / features either alone or in any combination thereof.[000242] In one example, the shape-memory alloy actuator comprises a single actuator that simultaneously drives both the first closure member and the second closure member.[000243] In one example, the shape-memory alloy actuator comprises a single wire, and including positioning the single wire only on one side of the circuit board.[000244] In one example, the method includes fixing one end of the single wire to the circuit board and coupling an opposite end of the single wire for movement with the first closure member.[000245] In one example, the method includes forming a pass-through with a coupling interface and connecting the third actuator body to the second actuator body with a coupling member via the coupling interface.[000246] In one example, the coupler assembly comprises at least one rotatable element, and including directly engaging the at least one rotatable element with the second actuator body and the third actuator body.[000247] In one example, the rotatable element comprises at least one gear in meshing engagement with the second actuator body and in meshing engagement with the third actuator body.[000248] III, In one example, the actuator assembly provides modularity where there are preassembled modules that are attached to a circuit board to form a dual actuator.[000249] In one example, an apparatus comprises:[000250] a circuit board extending from a first end to a second end and comprising a first side and a second side facing opposite the first side, wherein the first side includes a first plurality of electrical contact surfaces and the second side includes a second plurality of electrical contact surfaces;[000251] a first sub-assembly including a first closure member and a plurality of electrical contact members mounted to the first end of the circuit board;[000252] a second sub-assembly including a second closure member and a plurality of electrical contact members mounted to the second end of the circuit board;[000253] a first shape-memory alloy actuator extending between the first subassembly and the second sub-assembly, wherein the first shape-memory alloy actuator moves the first closure member to the contracted position in response to an electrical input; and[000254] a second shape-memory alloy actuator extending between the first subassembly and the second sub-assembly, wherein the second shape-memory alloy actuator moves the second closure member to the contracted position in response to an electrical input.[000255] The apparatus may include one or more of the following features either alone or in any combination. In one example, the second sub-assembly is identical to the first subassembly.[000256] In one example, the second sub-assembly and the first sub-assembly each form a pre-assembled unit.[000257] In one example, each of the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly further comprises a slider guide, a sliding contact, a fixed crimp, a movable crimp, and a resilient member that respectively form a first pre-assembled unit and a second pre-assembled unit.[000258] In one example, the first pre-assembled unit is attached to the first end of the circuit board, and the second pre-assembled unit is attached to the second end of the circuit board in a position that is rotated 180 degrees relative to the first pre-assembled unit.[000259] In one example, subsequent to installation of the first pre-assembled unit and the second pre-assembled unit, the first shape-memory alloy actuator is installed on the first side of the circuit board, and the second shape-memory alloy actuator is installed on the second side of the circuit board forming a dual actuator final assembly.[000260] In one example, each of the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly comprises a fixed crimp held in fixed contact with the circuit board and a movable crimp that moves in sliding contact relative to the circuit board.[000261] In one example, the fixed crimp and the movable crimp have an identical shape.[000262] In one example, the fixed crimp and the movable crimp have different shapes.[000263] In one example, there is a single point contact with the circuit board per each fixed crimp and each movable crimp.[000264] In one example, there is double electrical contacts with the circuit board per each fixed crimp and each movable crimp.[000265] In one example, the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly comprise a dual actuator assembly, and wherein a plurality of dual actuator assemblies are supported on a single circuit board.[000266] In one example, a method comprises:[000267] providing a circuit board extending from a first end to a second end and comprising a first side and a second side facing opposite the first side, wherein the first side includes a first plurality of electrical contact surfaces and the second side includes a second plurality of electrical contact surfaces;[000268] mounting a first sub-assembly to the first end of the circuit board, the first sub-assembly including a first closure member and a plurality of electrical contact members;[000269] mounting a second sub-assembly to the second end of the circuit board, the second sub-assembly including a second closure member and a plurality of electrical contact members;[000270] connecting one end of a first shape-memory alloy actuator to the first subassembly and connecting an opposite end of the first shape-memory alloy actuator to the second sub-assembly;[000271] connecting one end of a second shape-memory alloy actuator (e.g., internal structure of SMA material to the first sub-assembly and connecting an opposite end of the second shape-memory alloy actuator to the second sub-assembly; and[000272] moving the first closure member to the contracted position in response to an electrical input to the first shape-memory alloy actuator; and moving the second closure member to the contracted position in response to an electrical input to the second shape-memory alloy actuator.[000273] The method can include any of the following steps / features either alone or in any combination thereof.[000274] In one example, the second sub-assembly is identical to the first subassembly.[000275] In one example, the second sub-assembly and the first sub-assembly each form a pre-assembled unit.[000276] In one example, each of the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly comprises a slider guide, a sliding contact, a fixed crimp, a movable crimp, and a resilient member that respectively form a first pre-assembled unit and a second pre-assembled unit.[000277] In one example, the method includes attaching the first pre-assembled unit to the first end of the circuit board and attaching the second pre-assembled unit to the second end of the circuit board in a position that is rotated 180 degrees relative to the first pre-assembled unit.[000278] In one example, subsequent to installing the first pre-assembled unit installation and the second pre-assembled unit, the method includes installing the first shapememory alloy actuator on the first side of the circuit board, and installing the second shapememory alloy actuator on the second side of the circuit board forming a dual actuator final assembly.[000279] In one example, each of the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly comprises a fixed crimp held in fixed contact with the circuit board and a movable crimp that moves in sliding contact relative to the circuit board.[000280] In one example, the method includes providing a single point contact with the circuit board per each fixed crimp and each movable crimp, or providing double electrical contacts with the circuit board per each fixed crimp and each movable crimp.[000281] In one example, the method includes integrating at least one of the fixed crimp and movable crimp via over-molding, hot-stamping, press-fitting, insert molding, gluing, using a bite edge, or any other joining technique.[000282] Although the different examples have the specific components shown in the illustrations, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from one of the examples in combination with features or components from another one of the examples. In addition, the various figures accompanying this disclosure are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show certain details of a particular component or arrangement.[000283] One of ordinary skill in this art would understand that the above-described embodiments are exemplary and non-limiting. That is, modifications of this disclosure would come within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the following claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus comprising: a first closure member moveable between an extended position and a contracted position; a second closure member moveable between an extended position and a contracted position; a circuit board extending from a first end to a second end and comprising a first side and a second side facing opposite the first side, wherein the first side includes a first plurality of electrical contact surfaces and the second side includes a second plurality of electrical contact surfaces; a first actuator assembly supported by the first end of the circuit board, wherein the first actuator assembly comprises a first actuator body coupled to the first closure member, and wherein the first actuator body is in electrical contact with at least one electrical contact surface of the first plurality of electrical contact surfaces and with at least one electrical contact surface of the second plurality of electrical contact surfaces; a second actuator assembly supported by the second end of the circuit board, wherein the second actuator assembly comprises a second actuator body coupled to the second closure member, and wherein the second actuator body is in electrical contact with at least one electrical contact surface of the first plurality of electrical contact surfaces and with at least one electrical contact surface of the second plurality of electrical contact surfaces; a first shape-memory alloy actuator extending between the first actuator body and the second actuator body, wherein the first shape-memory alloy actuator moves the first closure member to the contracted position in response to an electrical input; and a second shape-memory alloy actuator extending between the first actuator body and the second actuator body, wherein the second shape-memory alloy actuator moves the second closure member to the contracted position in response to an electrical input.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first closure member and the second closure member are actuated independently of each other.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first closure member and the second closure member are actuated in unison.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the circuit board comprises a single printed circuit board.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first actuator body and the second actuator body are solely supported by the circuit board.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first actuator assembly and the second actuator assembly are operable along a single axis of movement.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the first actuator assembly further comprises a first moveable attachment interface moveable relative to the first actuator body and associated with at least one first electrical contact surface of the first plurality of electrical contact surfaces, and a first fixed attachment interface fixed to the first actuator body and associated with at least one second electrical contact surface of the second plurality of electrical contact surfaces; and the second actuator assembly comprises a second moveable attachment interface moveable relative to the second actuator body and associated with at least one second electrical contact surface of the second plurality of electrical contact surfaces, and a second fixed attachment interface fixed to the second actuator body and associated with at least one first electrical contact surface of the first plurality of electrical contact surfaces.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein: the first shape-memory alloy actuator has a first end attached to the first moveable attachment interface and a second end attached to the second fixed attachment interface; and the second shape-memory alloy actuator has a first end attached to the second moveable attachment interface and a second end attached to the first fixed attachment interface.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the first actuator body comprises a first slider guide and the second actuator body comprises a second slider guide, and including: a first sliding connector coupled to one side of the first slider guide, wherein the first sliding connector includes a first movable crimp and contacts the at least one electrical contact surface of the first plurality of electrical contact surfaces; and a second sliding connector coupled to one side of the second slider guide, wherein the second sliding connector includes a second movable crimp and contacts the at least one electrical contact surface of the second plurality of electrical contact surfaces.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein: a first crimp is fixed to an opposite side of the first slider guide and contacts the at least one electrical contact surface of the second plurality of electrical contact surfaces; a second crimp is fixed to an opposite side of the second slider guide and contacts the at least one electrical contact surface of the first plurality of electrical contact surfaces; the first shape-memory alloy actuator comprises a first wire that extends from the first movable crimp of the first slider guide to the second crimp of the second slider guide; and the second shape-memory alloy actuator comprises a second wire that extends from the second movable crimp of the second slider guide to the first crimp of the first slider guide.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein a first resilient member biases the first closure member to the extended position and a second resilient member biases the second closure member to the extended position, and wherein: the first resilient member is externally mounted and reacts between a first slider guide and the first sliding connector, and the second resilient member is externally mounted and reacts between a second slider guide and the second sliding connector, or the first resilient member is enclosed within a first portion of the actuator and surrounds at least a portion of the first closure member, and the second resilient member is enclosed within a second portion of the actuator and surrounds at least a portion of the second closure member.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:the first closure member and the second closure member comprise a valve tip or head, or a quick release member; or the first closure member and the second closure member are each associated with an air shield.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, including one or more controllers receiving commands, and in accordance with a determination of receipt of an activate command or a deactivate command, the one or more controllers powering on or powering off an associated one of the first shape-memory alloy actuator or second shape-memory alloy actuator.

14. A method comprising: providing a circuit board that extends from a first end to a second end and comprises a first side and a second side facing opposite the first side, wherein the first side includes a first plurality of electrical contact surfaces and the second side includes a second plurality of electrical contact surfaces; supporting a first actuator assembly on the first end of the circuit board, wherein the first actuator assembly comprises a first actuator body coupled to a first closure member that is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position; putting the first actuator body in electrical contact with at least one electrical contact surface of the first plurality of electrical contact surfaces and with at least one electrical contact surface of the second plurality of electrical contact surfaces; supporting a second actuator assembly on the second end of the circuit board, wherein the second actuator assembly comprises a second actuator body coupled to a second closure member that is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position; putting the second actuator body in electrical contact with at least one electrical contact surface of the first plurality of electrical contact surfaces and with at least one electrical contact surface of the second plurality of electrical contact surfaces; coupling a first shape-memory alloy actuator to the first actuator body and the second actuator body; coupling a second shape-memory alloy actuator to the first actuator body and the second actuator body;moving the first closure member to the retracted position via the first shape-memory alloy actuator in response to an electrical input; and moving the second closure member to the retracted position via the second shape-memory alloy actuator in response to an electrical input.

15. The method of claim 14, including independently moving the first closure member and the second closure member relative to each other.

16. The method of claim 14, including moving the first closure member and the second closure member in unison.

17. The method of claim 14, including solely supporting the first actuator body and the second actuator body with the circuit board.

18. The method of claim 14, including operating the first actuator assembly and the second actuator assembly along a single axis of movement.

19. The method of claim 14, including biasing the first closure member and the second closure member to the extended position.

20. The method of claim 14, including: crimping one end of the first shape-memory alloy actuator to the first actuator assembly and crimping an opposite end of the first shape-memory alloy actuator to the second actuator assembly; crimping one end of the second shape-memory alloy actuator to the second actuator assembly and crimping an opposite end of the second shape-memory alloy actuator to the first actuator assembly; and in accordance with a determination of receipt of a deactivate command or an activate command, powering on or powering off an associated one of the first shape-memory alloy actuator or second shape-memory alloy actuator.

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