Patent ID: 7108354
Filing Date: 2006-09-19
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A segmented electrostatic actuator, comprising: a base substrate; a segmented flexible membrane provided on top of the substrate; at least one strengthening rib incorporated into the flexible membrane and provided at segment boundaries: individually addressable electrodes, one for each membrane segment, provided beneath a corresponding one of the membrane segments and separated from adjacent electrodes by an isolated region; and a plurality of actuator chambers defined between each of the electrodes and the corresponding membrane segment, wherein the individually addressable electrodes are selectively actuated to receive a bias voltage that generates an electrostatic field between any biased electrode and the corresponding membrane segment to attract the corresponding membrane segment toward the respective electrode, the corresponding membrane segment being restored to a previous position upon elimination of the bias voltage so that the at least one strengthening rib is separated by a predetermined distance from the isolated region.