Systems and methods for overcoming stiction
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An electo-mechanical system capable of overcoming stiction forces through localized vibration, the system comprising:
- a base layer having a surface;
a device supported above the surface by a pivot, wherein the device is movable along a movement path;
a stop located at a contact position along the movement path, wherein the device contacts the stop at the contact position, and wherein a stiction force between the device and the stop exits at the contact position; and
a vibration element operable to cause a vibration at or near the contact position, the vibration element having a vibration actuator, wherein the vibration disrupts the stiction force.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A number of methods and systems for overcoming stiction are provided. The systems include electro-mechanical systems capable of exerting a variety of forces upon areas prone to stiction. The systems can be MEMS arrays or other types of devices where stiction related forces occur. The methods include a variety of ways of causing movement in areas prone to stiction forces. Such movement can be vibrational in nature and is sufficient to overcome stiction, allowing a trapped element to be moved to a desired location.
81 Citations
28 Claims
-
1. An electo-mechanical system capable of overcoming stiction forces through localized vibration, the system comprising:
-
a base layer having a surface;
a device supported above the surface by a pivot, wherein the device is movable along a movement path;
a stop located at a contact position along the movement path, wherein the device contacts the stop at the contact position, and wherein a stiction force between the device and the stop exits at the contact position; and
a vibration element operable to cause a vibration at or near the contact position, the vibration element having a vibration actuator, wherein the vibration disrupts the stiction force. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
-
Specification