Phase change actuator
US7522029B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 24, 2008 |
| Grant date | Apr 21, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 24, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2061/006
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An actuator is provided. The actuator comprises a base portion, a cantilever beam connected to the base portion, and an actuator cell adjacent to the cantilever beam. The actuator cell comprises a first metal electrode positioned on the cantilevered beam, a second metal electrode positioned near the first metal electrode, and phase change material between the first and second metal electrodes, wherein the phase change material connects the first metal electrode to the second metal electrode, wherein applying a burst of energy to the phase change material causes the phase change material to change between an amorphous state and a crystalline state, causing the cantilevered beam to move between a first position and a target position, wherein the cantilevered beam remains at the target position upon removal of the energy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.