Ultrasonic method and actuator for inducing motion of an object
US6362557B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 28, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 26, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 28, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02N2/103
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An actuator scaled to macroscopic or microscopic sizes, uses ultrasonic energy to induce motion of an object in a desired direction. The actuator includes one or more pair of piezoelectric transducers connected with a transducer tip. Supplying the piezoelectric transducers with alternating current electrical power causes the tip to vibrate at ultrasonic frequencies. Urging the vibrating tip into contact with a surface on the object at a selected angle of inclination induces the object to move in the desired direction at a rate determined by the inclination angle. Multiple actuators can be used to induce a fall range of movements of variously shaped objects. In microscopic form, the actuator can be used to create a MEMS device. The optional application of a compliant material either on the transducer tip or on the object's surface enhances the movement induced by the actuator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.