Abstract:
A micro machine may be in or less than the micrometer domain. The micro machine may include a micro actuator and a micro shaft coupled to the micro actuator. The micro shaft is operable to be driven by the micro actuator. A tool is coupled to the micro shaft and is operable to perform work in response to at least motion of the micro shaft.
Abstract:
A micro drive assembly may comprise a substrate, a micro shall oriented in-plane with the substrate and at least one micro bearing to support rotation of the micro shaft. The micro shaft and micro bearing may be in or less than the micrometer domain.
Abstract:
A system and method are disclosed which enable post-fabrication reduction of minimum feature size spacing of microcomponents. A method for producing an assembly of microcomponents is provided, in which at least two microcomponents are fabricated having a separation space therebetween. At least one of the microcomponents includes an extension part that is operable to reduce the separation space. Such an extension part may include an extension member that is movably extendable away from its associated microcomponent to reduce the separation space between its associated microcomponent and another microcomponent. The extension part may be latched at a desired position by a latching mechanism. The extension part may be implemented such that the extension member eliminates the separation space, thereby resulting in such extension member engaging another microcomponent. Such engagement may be achieved without requiring power to be applied to the microcomponents. Certain embodiments are insensitive to etching inaccuracy encountered during fabrication.
Abstract:
An apparatus (1) that is capable of a first stable configuration and a second stable configuration is disclosed. The bistable mechanism (10) has a leg (30, 32) that is coupled on one end by a base member (22, 24) and on the other end by a shuttle (20). The leg (30, 32) stores potential energy as it is deflected. The potential energy stored in the leg (30, 32) has a maximum potential energy position with a low potential energy position on either side of the maximum. An apparatus and method are also disclosed for a latching mechanism (910) and the associated method. The latching mechanism (910) is comprised of a grasping member (932), a lock slider (928), and a detent slider (916). These three members (916, 928, 932) operate together to induce a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration by actuating the lock slider (928) in a single direction.
Abstract:
A micro transport machine may include a substrate and a movable device comprising a drive component responsive to a wireless power source. The movable device is operable to move between a plurality of disparate areas on the substrate.
Abstract:
A micro drive assembly may comprise a substrate, a micro shaft oriented in-plane with the substrate and at least one micro bearing to support rotation of the micro shaft. The micro shaft and micro bearing may be in or less than the micrometer domain.
Abstract:
A micro rotary machine may include a micro actuator and a micro shaft coupled to the micro actuator. The micro shaft comprises a horizontal shaft and is operable to be rotated by the micro actuator. A micro tool is coupled to the micro shaft and is operable to perform work in response to motion of the micro shaft.
Abstract:
A micro transport machine may include a substrate and a movable device comprising a drive component responsive to a wireless power source. The movable device is operable to move between a plurality of disparate areas on the substrate.
Abstract:
In the fabrication of a free-standing miniaturized structure in a range of about 10 to 20 .mu.m thick, a method based on a sacrificial system includes the steps of selecting a substrate material, depositing on the substrate material a sacrificial layer of material and patterning the sacrificial layer to define a shape. A photoresist layer of material is deposited on the sacrificial layer and patterned by contrast-enhanced photolithography to form a photoresist mold. Upon the mold there is plated a metallic layer of material. The electroplated structure conforms to the resist profile and can have a thickness many times that of conventional polysilicon microstructures. The photoresist mold and the sacrificial layer are thereafter dissolved using etchants to form a free standing metallic structure in a range of about 10 to 20 .mu.m thick, with vertical to lateral aspect ratios of 9:1 to 10:1 or more.
Abstract:
System and methods are disclosed herein for converting rotational motion to linear motion. A system comprising a rotational drive can be connected to a proof mass by a first structure comprising a coupling spring. An anchor can be connected to the proof mass by a second structure comprising a drive spring. The coupling spring and the drive spring can be configured to cause the proof mass to move substantially along a first axis when the rotational drive rotates about a second axis.