Abstract in simplified Chinese:在此提出一种微型电气机械(MEMS)设备,其包括一微电子基体及一热促动微型致动器以及位在该基体上且由单一结晶化材料形成为一单元化结构之相关组件,其中此等相关组件由该微型致动器热促动之后引动。举例来说,该微型电气机械设备可为一阀。因此,该阀可包括至少一阀片可控制地由该微型致动器之选择性促动与在该微电子基体内之至少一阀门口接合。尽管该微型电气机械设备得包括各式微型致动器,该微型致动器有利地包括配置在该基体上之一对相隔支撑件以及在该对支撑件间延伸之至少一拱梁。借由加热该微型致动器之至少一拱梁,该等拱梁会更为弯拱使该微型致动器在一关闭位置(其中该阀片与该阀门口密封地接合)与一开放位置(其中该阀片至少局部脱离该阀门口且未密封)间移动。该微型致动器更可在该等拱梁之末稍部分包括金属化轨线(traces)以将该等拱梁之热促动区域限制在其中间部分。该阀方可包括闩锁用来将该阀片维持于一期望位置而不用持续对该微型致动器输入能量。在此亦提出一种制造具有单元化结构单一结晶化组件之微型电气机械阀约有利方法。
Abstract in simplified Chinese:简单的说,依据本发明的一具体例,一开关结构或是例如一阀件,马达或光学开关之类似物,可以用一热反应性聚合物为基础来架构。在一第一温度下热反应性聚合物可以处于一第一体积状态中,而在一第二温度下热反应性聚合物可以处于一第二体积状态中。在热反应性聚合物的体积上的变化可以被用来推动或拉引开关、阀件、电动机、光学开关,等等,以使得该结构运作。
Abstract:
The MEMS actuator is formed by a body, which surrounds a cavity and by a deformable structure, which is suspended on the cavity and is formed by a movable portion and by a plurality of deformable elements. The deformable elements are arranged consecutively to each other, connect the movable portion to the body and are each subject to a deformation. The MEMS actuator further comprises at least one plurality of actuation structures, which are supported by the deformable elements and are configured to cause a translation of the movable portion greater than the deformation of each deformable element. The actuation structures each have a respective first piezoelectric region.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a fluidic device includes molding either one of the base member and the valve part with a first mold; and molding the other one of the base member and the valve part with a second mold with respect to the molded base member or the molded valve part.
Abstract:
A microvalve includes a displaceable member having an elongated arm portion, a plurality of actuator ribs connected through a central spine to the elongated arm portion, and a hinge portion. Each of the actuator ribs has a first portion and a second portion, the first portions each having an end connected to the central spine, the second portions each having an end connected to the central spine. A channel is formed in the plate. A plurality of elongated openings is formed in the plate and define the actuator ribs, each elongated opening having longitudinally extending side edges. One of the elongated openings separates each rib in the second portion of ribs from an adjacent rib or the plate. The channel and a longitudinally extending side edge of one of the elongated openings separate the second portion of the actuator ribs from the plate and define an electrical isolation region.
Abstract:
A microfluidic valve for implantation in an eye of a patient is disclosed. The valve may include a chamber formed between a substrate and a flexible membrane. The valve may also include a boss disposed in the chamber and having a top edge in selective contact with the flexible membrane. The top edge includes a relief portion and a non-relief portion, with the relief portion being structurally arranged so that a pressure required to separate the membrane from the relief portion is less than a pressure required to separate the membrane from the non-relief portion. The valve also may include an inlet extending through the boss and the substrate through which fluid enters the chamber and an outlet configured to allow fluid to exit the chamber. Methods for priming a microfluidic valve are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Fabrication method of microfluidic devices consisting of a sheet (1) which is 200 micrometer thick or less and a rigid part (3), both made of thermoplastic polymeric material includes degasification of a polymeric sheet of thermoplastic material (1), an auxiliary rigid part (2), and a polymeric rigid part of thermoplastic material (3). A temporary bonding procedure, of the degassed thermoplastic polymeric sheet (1) to a degassed auxiliary rigid part (2), is conducted producing a sheet-auxiliary part set (4). A permanent bonding procedure bonds the thermoplastic polymeric sheet (1) of the sheet-auxiliary part set (4) obtained in the previous temporary bonding stage, to the thermoplastic polymeric rigid part (3) which was initially degassed. The auxiliary rigid part (2) of the thermoplastic polymeric sheet (1) permanently bonded to the thermoplastic rigid part (3), is detached to produce a final part which is completely polymeric (5).
Abstract:
A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.
Abstract:
A microfluidic valve for implantation in an eye of a patient is disclosed. The valve may include a chamber formed between a substrate and a flexible membrane. The valve may also include a boss disposed in the chamber and having a top edge in selective contact with the flexible membrane. The top edge includes a relief portion and a non-relief portion, with the relief portion being structurally arranged so that a pressure required to separate the membrane from the relief portion is less than a pressure required to separate the membrane from the non-relief portion. The valve also may include an inlet extending through the boss and the substrate through which fluid enters the chamber and an outlet configured to allow fluid to exit the chamber. Methods for priming a microfluidic valve are also disclosed.