Optical actuator
OwnerGregory Scott Fischer, Paulo Alberto Carvalho +2inventors
InventorsGregory Scott Fischer, Paulo Alberto Carvalho, Zhanyue Zhao, Christopher Julius Nycz
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Abstract
An actuator (100) powered by photonic energy comprises a rotor including a material (101) which deforms from a first underformed state when exposed to electromagnetic radiation to a second deformed state and begins to return to the first state when the electromagnetic radiation is removed. A stationary element (102) is affixed to the rotor. A moving element (105) engaging the stator at least when the rotor is in the second deformed state. Deformation of the deformable material in response to applied electromagnetic radiation is transmitted by the stator to the moving element by friction between the stationary element and the moving element for causing motion of the moving element.
Claims20
An actuator powered by photonic energy, the actuator comprising:
- a body comprising a material which deforms from a first undeformed state when exposed to electromagnetic radiation to a second deformed state and begins to return to the first state when the electromagnetic radiation is removed;
- an optical de-multiplexer;
- a source of electromagnetic radiation adapted to generate an output, the electromagnetic radiation source coupled to the de-multiplexer and disposed for irradiating the surface of the body with the output;
- a stationary element affixed to the body;
- and
- a moving element engaging the stationary element at least when the body is in the second deformed state,
- wherein deformation of the deformable material in response to applied electromagnetic radiation is transmitted by the stationary element to the moving element by friction between the stationary element and the moving element for causing motion of the moving element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.