System and method for mounting synthetic jets

A synthetic jet actuator comprising:

• a housing defining a chamber, the housing having an orifice formed therein such that the chamber is in fluid communication with an external environment;
• a first plate and a second plate spaced apart from one another and positioned within the housing;
• an actuator element coupled to at least one of the first and second plates to selectively cause deflection thereof so that fluid is projected out of the at least one orifice of the housing;
• and a mounting mechanism to mount the first and second plates within the housing, the mounting mechanism providing an interference fit arrangement between the first plate and the housing, and an interference fit arrangement between the second plate and the housing;
• wherein the mounting mechanism comprises a plurality of point-contact holders coupled to the housing and extending inwardly therefrom, wherein the plurality of point-contact holders form an interference fit with respective end surfaces of the first and second plates.

A synthetic jet actuator comprising:

• a housing defining a chamber, the housing having at least one orifice formed therein;
• at least one plate positioned within the chamber;
• an actuator element coupled to the at least one plate to selectively cause deflection thereof;
• and
• a mounting mechanism to mount the at least one plate within the housing, the mounting mechanism providing an interference fit arrangement between the at least one plate and the housing;
• wherein the mounting mechanism comprises a plurality of point-contact holders affixed to or formed integrally with the housing, and wherein the plurality of point-contact holders extend inwardly from the housing to form an interference fit with respective end surfaces of the at least one plate.