Method of positioning a platform relative to a fixed frame and a small scale positioning device
US7308747B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 2004 |
| Grant date | Dec 18, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 11, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53974
- WIPO fieldMicro-structural and nano-technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A small-scale positioning device employing a platform, a levering mechanism and a floating actuator device. The platform is movably attached to a fixed frame by a lever, a pair of levers, or more. The floating actuator device is coupled between at least one lever and the platform. When the actuator device is activated, it generates a force on the platform and an equal but opposite force on the levering mechanism, causing one or more levers to rotate around their respective fulcrums, thereby controlling the position of the movable platform relative to the fixed frame. The amount of displacement of the platform is dependent upon the effective expansion or contraction of the actuator device and the lever ratio. If the pair of levers are symmetrical, then motion is created in only a single degree of motion. Flexures may be included to prevent motion in unwanted directions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.