Dual mode actuator
US6088194A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 12, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jul 11, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 12, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B21/106
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A dual mode actuator has an arm assembly mounted on a pivot. The arm assembly has a first arm with a first proximal flex region next to the pivot and a distal flex region at the other end of the arm and a second arm with a second proximal flex region next to the pivot and a second distal flex region at the other end of the second arm. The two arms are joined at their distal ends by a terminal piece equipped with a controlled element, such as an optical or magnetic read-write head or a sensor. A control mechanism which can include VCM coils, MEMs, piezoelectric elements or the like is provided to drive the arm assembly and cause it to execute two motions: rotation about the pivot and flexing at the proximal and distal flex regions which causes the terminal piece to rotate. thus adjusting the position of the controlled element. The rotation about the pivot and rotation of the terminal piece adjust the position of the controlled element.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.