Abstract:
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Herstellung von elektrisch und/oder magnetisch ansteuerbaren Membranen, insbesondere für Schalter oder Pumpen. Bei dem Verfahren werden Mikro- und/oder Nanopartikel (5) mit magnetischen und/oder elektrischen Eigenschaften mit einem in fließfähigem Zustand befindlichen Matrixmaterial vermischt, das nach einer Verfestigung elastische Eigenschaften aufweist. Das Matrixmaterial wird als Schicht (1) auf ein Substrat aufgebracht und eine Verteilung der Partikel in der Schicht (1) mit einem oder mehreren elektrischen und/oder magnetischen Feldern gezielt verändert, um eine Anhäufung (2, 3) der Partikel (5) an einer oder mehreren Stellen der Schicht (1) zu erhalten. Die Schicht (1) wird anschließend mit den angehäuften Partikeln zur Bildung einer oder mehrerer Membranen (16) verfestigt. Die Erfindung betrifft auch einen magnetischen Aktor mit einer derartigen Membran. Das Verfahren ermöglicht die Nutzung von elastischen Membranen mit eingelagerten magnetischen oder magnetisierbaren Partikeln, ohne die elastischen Eigenschaften in bestimmten Bereichen der Membran negativ zu beeinflussen.
Abstract:
A method of forming a surface of micrometer dimensions conforming to a desired contour for a MEMS device, the method comprising providing a crystalline silicon substrate with a recess in an upper surface, providing a thinner layer of crystalline silicon over the upper surface of the substrate, fusion bonding the layer to the substrate under vacuum conditions, and applying heat to the layer and applying atmospheric pressure on the layer, such as to plastically deform the diaphragm within the recess to the desired contour. The substrate may form the fixed electrode of an electrostatic MEMS actuator, operating on the zip principle.
Abstract:
The invention relates to MEMS-based display devices. In particular, the display devices may include actuators having two mechanically compliant electrodes. In addition, bi-stable shutter assemblies and means for supporting shutters in shutter assemblies are disclosed inclusion in the display devices.
Abstract:
The invention relates to MEMS-based display devices. In particular, the display devices may include actuators having two mechanically compliant electrodes. In addition, bi-stable shutter assemblies and means for supporting shutters in shutter assemblies are disclosed inclusion in the display devices.
Abstract:
MEMS device (300) having an actuator (302, 306) with curved electrodes (308, 310). According to one embodiment of the present invention, an actuator is provided for moving an actuating device linearly. The actuator includes a substrate (304) having a planar surface and an actuating device movable in a linear direction relative to the substrate. The actuator includes at least one electrode beam (312, 314) attached to the actuating device and having an end attached to the substrate (304). The electrode beam is flexible (322, 324) between the actuating device and the end of the electrode beam attached to the substrate. Furthermore, the actuator includes at least one electrode (308, 310) attached to the substrate. The electrode (308, 310) has a curved surface aligned in a position adjacent the length of the electrode beam, whereby the actuating device is movable in its substantially linear direction as the electrode beam (312, 314) moves in a curved fashion corresponding substantially to the curved surface of the electrode.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an actuating member comprising an elastomer body that is provided with one electrode each on opposite peripheries. The aim of the invention is to improve the dynamism of such an actuating member. To this end, at least one periphery is provided with at least one waved section that comprises elevations (13) and depressions (14) as the extremes disposed in parallel to the cross direction. Said section is covered by an electrode that completely covers at least a part of the extremes (13, 14) and that extends across the waved section.
Abstract:
A micro-fabricated structure (320) includes a housing (322) defining an actuation chamber (303) with a set of electrodes (304) formed therein. A movable micro-fabricated structure (324) is positioned proximate to the actuation chamber (303). The electrodes (304) cause electrolytic formation of a bubble (310) that produces controlled displacement of the movable micro-fabricated structure (324). The movable micro-fabricated structure (324) may be a flow-controlled, free-standing block valve, a pressure-controlled, free-standing block valve, a free-standing block valve, or a plate (356). In the case of a plate (356), such as a mirror, the plate (356) may be lifted and tilted in a controlled manner. The controlled displacement of the movable micro-fabricated structure (324) may be terminated by evacuating the bubble (310) through a specially shaped escape path, by producing a spark with the electrodes (304), or by electrolytic dissipation of the bubble (310).
Abstract:
A vibromotor (10) includes a polysilicon surface-micromachined substrate. A movable guided element is slidably mounted on the substrate. At least one thermal actuator (20) has an impact head (40) and an anchoring end. The anchoring end pivotally disposed on the substrate external to a side of the movable guided element controls the movement of the movable guided element by electrothermally biasing the impact head (40) to tap against the movable guided element.
Abstract:
Introduced here is an electromechanical actuator that includes a stator assembly with a chamber partially defined therethrough along a central longitudinal axis and a plunger assembly that is situated in the chamber and, in operation, moves along the central longitudinal axis between different positions. The stator assembly can include a pair of contacts that have an opening therebetween and a trinity of ferromagnetic layers with coils situated therebetween. The plunger assembly can include a magnet. When current is applied to the coils, the trinity of ferromagnetic layers become magnetically polarized, thereby dictating the motion of the plunger assembly by magnetically attracting or repelling the magnet included in the plunger assembly. The plunger assembly may be stabilized by a flexure flexibly connecting the stator assembly and plunger assembly.
Abstract:
Provided is an atomic-smooth device with a microstructure. The device includes, from the bottom to top, a substrate, a bonding material, a second dielectric layer on the substrate, the microstructure, and a first dielectric layer, where a surface of the first dielectric layer is an atomic-smooth surface. Further provided is a method for preparing an atomic-smooth device with a microstructure to effectively avoid pits or burrs generated when the existing microstructure is machined.