Thin, flexible actuator array to produce complex shapes and force distributions
First Claim
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1. An actuator array, wherein each actuator comprises:
- a bistable mechanism including a tension beam and a deformed compression beam separated by a relief slit in a flexible substrate, the compression beam being deformed with a central region displaced in a transverse direction from the flexible substrate at the beam ends; and
a first shape memory element mechanically coupled to the bistable mechanism that upon heating exerts a force that actuates the deformed compression beam from a first stable position on one side of the substrate to a second stable position on an opposite side of the substrate, the first shape memory element comprising at least two substantially parallel shape memory alloy wires electrically coupled in series to the electrical leads.
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Abstract
An actuator includes a bistable mechanism having a tension beam and a compression beam defined by a relief slit in a flexible substrate; and a first shape memory element that upon heating actuates the actuator from a first position to a second position. A heat source can be thermally coupled to actuate the first shape memory element, or the first shape memory element can be heated by passing current through the element. The actuators can be formed in an array. Such arrays can be useful for tactile displays, massagers, and the like. Also included are methods of operation and manufacturing.
42 Citations
29 Claims
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1. An actuator array, wherein each actuator comprises:
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a bistable mechanism including a tension beam and a deformed compression beam separated by a relief slit in a flexible substrate, the compression beam being deformed with a central region displaced in a transverse direction from the flexible substrate at the beam ends; and a first shape memory element mechanically coupled to the bistable mechanism that upon heating exerts a force that actuates the deformed compression beam from a first stable position on one side of the substrate to a second stable position on an opposite side of the substrate, the first shape memory element comprising at least two substantially parallel shape memory alloy wires electrically coupled in series to the electrical leads. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method of operating an actuator array, wherein each actuator comprises:
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a bistable mechanism including a tension beam and a compression beam separated by a relief slit in a flexible substrate, the compression beam being deformed with a central region displaced in a transverse direction from the flexible substrate at the beam ends; and a first shape memory element mechanically coupled to the bistable mechanism; the method comprising the step of automatically, independently controlling each actuator by heating the first shape memory element to exert a force that actuates the deformed compression beam from a first stable position on one side of the substrate to a second stable position on an opposite side of the substrate, the first shape memory element comprising at least two substantially parallel shape memory alloy wires electrically coupled in series to the electrical leads. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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Specification