Patent ID: 7898144
Filing Date: 2011-03-01
Classification: H02N

Abstract:
1. A multi-step microactuator comprising: a. at least three stepper plates configured to control three degrees of freedom motion of an object, wherein each stepper plate has a plurality of supports thereon and is configured to have a plurality of rotations, wherein each rotation of each stepper plate makes at least one of the supports of the stepper plate contact the object; and b. a bottom layer having a plurality of electrodes and at least one stop for each stepper plate to control the rotation of the stepper plate, wherein the rotations of the stepper plates are determined by activated electrodes, wherein the rotated stepper plate is configured to contact the bottom layer and the stop for the stepper plate; wherein the three degrees of freedom motion of the object is controlled by the rotations of at least three of the stepper plates activated by the electrodes, which makes the three supports of the rotated stepper plates contact the object to determine the three degrees of freedom motion of the object.