Piezoelectric latching actuator having an impact receiving projectile

Disclosed is a piezoelectric actuator comprising a pair of piezoelectric elements, bistable snap-action means, and projectile means attached to the snap-action means in an impact receiving relationship alternately with the piezoelectric elements. The projectile means has a mass sufficient to acquire an acceleration upon impact from each of the piezoelectric elements to cause the snap-action means to change state. The snap-action means may comprise an elongated bending element squeezed endwise between supports, the projectile means being carried by bending element at a point intermediate its ends.