Electrostatic actuator for micromechanical systems
US6753638B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 2, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 22, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 2, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2001/0068
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus are described that may be used to provide decoupled rotation of structures about different pivot points. The apparatus may include one or more fixed blades mounted to a frame or substrate, one or more movable blades mounted to each structure to be moved, and flexures on which the structures are suspended. Separate movable blades may be provided for each degree of freedom. When voltage is applied between the fixed and movable blades, the electrostatic attraction generates a force attracting movable blades toward blades that are fixed relative to the moveable blades, causing a structure to rotate about the flexures. The angle of rotation that results may be related to the size, number and spacing of the blades, the stiffness of the flexures and the magnitude of the voltage difference applied to the blades. The blades are fabricated using deep silicon etching.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.