Patent ID: 6534887
Filing Date: 2003-03-18
Classification: B64G,F16C,H01M,H02K,H02N,Y02E

Abstract:
A microwheel comprising:a top layer including a top layer base of silicon wafer material and having a first magnetic layer deposited on a surface of the base, the first magnetic layer having a first conductor deposited thereon; a bottom layer, including a bottom layer base of silicon wafer material having a second magnetic layer deposited on a surface of the bottom layer base, the second magnetic layer having a second conductor deposited thereon, wherein the top layer and the bottom layer function as stators; a middle layer including a rotor and a circular wall, around the rotor, juxtaposed between the top layer and the bottom layer, wherein the rotor includes a rotor base of silicon wafer material having a first rotor magnetic layer deposited on one side of the rotor base and having a second rotor magnetic layer deposited on an opposite side of the rotor base; and an actuation and sensing pattern coupled to the top layer, the bottom layer and the middle layer, the actuation and sensing pattern including an actuator configuration for motion control, including acceleration and deceleration of the rotor, the actuation and sensing pattern further including sensors for sensing position and movement and for closing control loops for energy storage, the actuation and sensing pattern further including lateral position control, vertical position control and stabilization actuators, capacitive position sensors, torque actuators for acceleration and energy transfer and levitation actuators.