Patent ID: 6215221
Filing Date: 2001-04-10
Classification: B64C,B81B,F04B,F15B,F15C,F15D,F16K,H02N,Y02T

Abstract:
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.