Methods and apparatus for a reconfigurable surface

Abstract

In exemplary implementations of this invention, a pin based mechanism creates physical three dimensional contoured surfaces from a CAD input. When the digital design is downloaded into the device a pin array is collectively actuated to the desired geometry. An optional rubber interpolation layer is held onto the tops of steel pins to prevent undesired dimpling of the surface caused by the discrete nature of the pin array. A single mechanically actuated plate moves all of the pins in the pin array. The device works by pulling all of the closely packed steel pins simultaneously in one direction via a moving plate. As the pins move, they are individually braked and held in position by a phase-changing brake array, integrated with input circuitry. When the plate reaches the end of its stroke, all pins are in the proper configuration.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.