Patent ID: 6774533
Filing Date: 2004-08-10
Classification: H02N

Abstract:
A microactuator using an electrostatic impact driving mechanism, comprising:a closed receptacle formed of an outer frame part, a pedestal part and a lid part; an elastic support beam member disposed in said closed receptacle; a fixing member is disposed in said closed receptacle and securely connecting a first end of said elastic support beam member to said pedestal part; a movable mass member disposed in said closed receptacle and securely connected to a second end of said elastic support beam member; a driving electrode and a stopper member disposed in said closed receptacle, each of which is securely connected to said pedestal part and spacedly juxtaposed with said movable mass member; and a power supply circuit disposed in the inside or the outside of said closed receptacle for applying a voltage between said movable mass and driving electrode members, wherein the microactuator is so operable that turning said power supply circuit ON generates electrostatic attraction between said driving electrode and movable mass members, thereby bringing said movable member into collision with said stopper member, followed by the transmission of a kinetic energy then produced to said closed receptacle, and subsequently turning said power supply circuit OFF removes said electrostatic attraction, thereby permitting said movable mass member to return to its original position under an elastic force exerted by said elastic support beam member, followed by the transmission of a reaction force then produced to said closed receptacle, whereby an entire body of said microactuator is moved in a given direction.