Snap-through thermal actuator
US6948800B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2004 |
| Grant date | Sep 27, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2002/14346
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A snap-through thermal actuator for a micro-electromechanical device such as a liquid drop emitter or a fluid control microvalve is disclosed. The snap-through actuator is comprised of a base element formed with a depression having opposing anchor edges which define a central plane. A deformable element, attached to the base element at the opposing anchor edges, is constructed as a planar lamination including a first layer of a first material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion and a second layer of a second material having a high coefficient of thermal expansion. The deformable element is formed to have a residual shape bowing outward from the central plane in a first direction away from the second layer. The snap-through thermal actuator further comprises apparatus adapted to apply a heat pulse to the deformable element which causes a sudden rise in the temperature of the deformable element. The deformable element initially bows farther outward in the first direction, then, due to thermomechanical torque's acting at the opposing anchor edges, reverses and snaps through the central plane to bow outward in a second direction toward the second layer, and then relaxes to th…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.