Microactuator array with integrally formed package
First Claim
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1. A thin sheet for use in a microactuator device, comprising:
- an electrode region situated on or in the thin sheet, the electrode region having an outer perimeter and at least one conductive electrode;
a frame region having a first major surface and a second major surface, the frame region extending around and spaced from the outer perimeter of the electrode region;
one or more bridge means for connecting the electrode region to the frame region;
a first bonding region extending along at least a portion of the first major surface of the frame region; and
a second boding region extending along at least a portion of the second major surface of the frame region.
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Abstract
A microactuator array with an integrally formed package is disclosed. Because the package is made from the same material and at the same time as the actuator itself, no extra time or cost is associated with packaging. In addition, it is contemplated that the package may be configured to provide all the necessary interconnections and leads for addressing and distributing power to the various layers in the microactuator stack. Thus, no additional steps or cost are associated with electrical interconnection.
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Citations
32 Claims
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1. A thin sheet for use in a microactuator device, comprising:
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an electrode region situated on or in the thin sheet, the electrode region having an outer perimeter and at least one conductive electrode;
a frame region having a first major surface and a second major surface, the frame region extending around and spaced from the outer perimeter of the electrode region;
one or more bridge means for connecting the electrode region to the frame region;
a first bonding region extending along at least a portion of the first major surface of the frame region; and
a second boding region extending along at least a portion of the second major surface of the frame region. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A microactuator array device, comprising:
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a plurality of generally parallel thin flexible polymer sheets bonded together in a predetermined pattern to form an array of unit cells;
thin conductive and dielectric films deposited on said sheets to form a plurality of electrodes associated with said array of unit cells; and
a protective package surrounding said sheets, said protective package mechanically coupled to selected sheets via one or more bridge means. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A microactuator device with integral protective package, comprising:
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plurality of generally parallel thin flexible polymer sheets bonded together in a predetermined pattern to form an array of unit cells;
selected ones of the polymer sheets including;
an electrode region having an outer perimeter;
a frame region having a first major surface and a second major surface, the frame region extending around and spaced from the outer perimeter of the electrode region; and
one or more bridges for connecting the electrode region to the frame region. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32)
a first bonding region extending along at least a portion of the first major surface of the frame region; and
a second boding region extending along at least a portion of the second major surface of the frame region.
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30. A device according to claim 29, wherein the first bonding region and the second bonding region of adjacent polymer sheets are substantially aligned with one another.
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31. A device according to claim 29, wherein the frame region of selected polymer sheets include one or more vias for providing an electrical connection through the polymer sheet.
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32. A device according to claim 29, wherein the frame region of selected polymer sheets include one or more contacts for providing an electrical connection between polymer sheet.
Specification