초록 ▼

An actuator device providing an active surface. The actuator has a base having at least one first electrostatic electrode mounted therein which is oriented for electrostatic cooperative action with an opposing electrostatic electrode in a cover mounted above the first electrostatic electrode to defi

An actuator device providing an active surface. The actuator has a base having at least one first electrostatic electrode mounted therein which is oriented for electrostatic cooperative action with an opposing electrostatic electrode in a cover mounted above the first electrostatic electrode to define an enclosed cavity. The cover has at least one second electrostatic electrode for cooperative electrostatic activation between the electrostatic electrodes. The cover also has an outer surface forming the active surface. A power supply is operably connected to the electrostatic electrodes for causing the cooperative electrostatic activation. A quantity of fluid is contained within the cavity for pneumatically defining active surface conditions during cooperative electrostatic actuation. The cavity may be closed to provide a sealed cavity for movement of the fluid, either a gas or a liquid, during the cooperative electrostatic actuation, or it may be open to the atmosphere. The electrostatic electrodes may comprise a plurality of electrostatic electrodes arranged in a pattern to cause a predetermined change in the active surface. Various patterns may be used, such as bands, patches and regions. Also provided is control electronics in the base for controlling application of power from the power supply.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An actuator device controlling the shape of a flexible surface having a quasi-continuum in a plurality of locations, comprising:a base having a plurality of first electrostatic electrodes forming an array and mounted therein and oriented to present said first electrosta

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An actuator device controlling the shape of a flexible surface having a quasi-continuum in a plurality of locations, comprising:a base having a plurality of first electrostatic electrodes forming an array and mounted therein and oriented to present said first electrostatic electrodes for electrostatic cooperative action with an electrostatic electrode positioned above it;a cover mounted above said first electrostatic electrodes and defining an array of enclosed cavities, said cover having a second electrostatic electrode facing each of said cavities for cooperative electrostatic activation between said first and second electrostatic electrodes, said cover having a flexible outer surface forming said flexible surface adapted to move in a plurality of locations to provide a quasi-continuous change in said flexible surface between maximum and minimum distances of separation between said base and said flexible outer surface;a power supply operably connected to said at least one first and second electrostatic electrodes for causing selective cooperative electrostatic activation between portions of said flexible surface; anda quantity of fluid contained within said cavities for pneumatically defining a plurality of flexible surface conditions during said cooperative electrostatic actuation, whereby the shape of the flexible outer surface is varied quasi-continuously from said maximum and minimum distances during said cooperative electrostatic actuation.