Twin configuration for increased life time in touch mode electrostatic actuators
US6211580A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 29, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 3, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 29, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2059/0018
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electrostatic actuator and drive configuration device for use in a system requiring a long term ON state operation. The device includes a first electrostatic actuator positioned to operate in the system requiring the long term ON state upon activation of a power supply. The device also includes a second electrostatic actuator positioned to operate in the system requiring the long term ON state upon activation of the power supply. A timer is connected to the power supply to alternately select the first or the second actuator for activation to drive the selected actuator to the ON state. The timer is controlled to select the first or second electrostatic actuator on an alternating basis to prevent either electrostatic actuator from remaining in the ON state for more than a predetermined time without the other actuator being selected. The electrostatic actuators may be configured in parallel or in series, depending upon the demands of the system. When the electrostatic actuators are switches, linear actuators or relays, they are normally connected side by side mechanically parallel. When the actuators are shutters, mirrors or valves, normal connection is in sequence end to end. Whe…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.