Patent ID: 8623228
Filing Date: 2014-01-07
Classification: F16H,G04B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of fabricating a gear train, the method comprising the following steps: a) providing a substrate that includes a top layer and a bottom layer made of micro-machinable material, wherein the top layer and the bottom layer are secured to each other by an intermediate layer; b) etching at least one pattern in the top layer and the intermediate layer until the bottom layer is exposed, wherein etching the at least one pattern forms at least one first cavity belonging to a first wheel set; c) coating at least the bottom of the at least one first cavity with an electrically conductive coating; d) electroforming a material, at least in the bottom of the at least one first cavity; e) etching a second pattern in the bottom layer as far as the coating of the electrically conductive material, wherein etching the second pattern forms at least one second cavity belonging to a second wheel set; f) structuring a photosensitive resin on the bottom of the bottom layer, wherein the photosensitive resin forms a sheathing on the walls of the at least one second cavity and at least one recess, wherein the photosensitive resin that flares out coaxially from the at least second cavity; g) continuing the electroforming started in step d) to fill the at least one first cavity and starting to electroform a material in the at least one second cavity and the at least one recess, wherein the electroforming forms an arbour fitted with a collar; h) removing the photosensitive resin; i) removing the intermediate layer, wherein removing the intermediate layer separates the first and second wheel sets; and j) releasing the fabricated wheel set from the substrate.