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Title: Flexure-based, tip-tilt-piston actuation micro-array

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1600158

A flexure-based micro-array having a plurality of micro-assemblies, each comprising: an object; and at least three electrostatic actuation modules for tipping, tilting, and/or piston-actuating the object, each actuation module comprising: a base with first and second electrodes electrically isolated from each other; an electrically conductive lever arm; a first flexure bearing suspending the lever arm adjacent the first and second electrodes so that electrical activation of at least one of the first and second electrodes produces an electrostatic moment of force on the lever arm to resiliently bias the first flexure bearing and pivot the lever arm about a fulcrum; and a second flexure bearing connecting the lever arm to the object at a connection location that is different from other connection locations of the other actuation modules so that pivoting the lever arm about the fulcrum induces the second flexure bearing to pivot the object about an object pivot axis defined between two of the other connection locations while the second flexure bearing decouples the lever arm from object displacements induced by two of the other actuation modules connected to the two other connection locations defining the object pivot axis, wherein the plurality of micro-assemblies are arranged with the objects juxtaposed in a substantially 2D array.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC52-07NA27344
Assignee:
Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC (Livermore, CA)
Patent Number(s):
10,444,492
Application Number:
14/218,970
OSTI ID:
1600158
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 03/19/2014
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (12)

Multilevel Beam SOI-MEMS Fabrication and Applications journal February 2004
Tip-Tilt-Piston Actuators for high Fill-Factor Micromirror Arrays conference June 2004
Gimbal-Less Monolithic Silicon Actuators for Tip–Tilt–Piston Micromirror Applications journal May 2004
High Precision Silicon-on-Insulator MEMS Parallel Kinematic Stages patent-application January 2010
Vertical Microlens Scanner for 3D Imaging conference June 2002
Vertical Combdrive Based 2-D Gimbaled Micromirrors With Large Static Rotation by Backside Island Isolation journal May 2004
Linearized Gimbal-less Two-Axis MEMS Mirrors conference January 2009
Micromirror Systems with Concealed Multi-Piece Hinge Structures patent-application June 2008
MEMS Device with Sloped Support patent-application July 2014
Sound Transducer with Interdigitated First and Second Sets of Comb Fingers patent-application May 2013
Laterally actuated torsional micromirrors for large static deflection journal February 2003
High Aspect Ratio Micromirrors With Large Static Rotation and Piston Actuation journal August 2004

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