Adhesive microstructure and method of forming same
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsRonald S. Fearing, Metin Sitti
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A fabricated microstructure comprising at least one protrusion capable of providing an adhesive force at a surface of between about 60 and 2,000 nano-Newtons. A stalk supports the protrusion at an oblique angle relative to a supporting surface. The microstructure can adhere to different surfaces.
Claims29
A fabricated microstructure comprising:
- at least one protrusion capable of providing an adhesive force at a surface of between about 60 and 2,000 nano-Newtons;
- a stalk to support said protrusion at an oblique angle relative to a supporting surface;
- and
- wherein the microstructure is capable of adhering to different surfaces.
A fabricated microstructure comprising:
- a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion capable of providing an adhesive force at a surface of between about 60 and 2,000 nano-Newtons;
- and
- a stalk to support each of said protrusions at an oblique angle relative to a supporting structure.
A fabricated microstructure comprising:
- an array of protrusions, said array having a width less than about ten microns and each protrusion of said array capable of providing an adhesive force at a surface by intermolecular forces;
- and
- a stalk to support each of said protrusions at an oblique angle relative to a supporting shaft.
A fabricated microstructure comprising:
- an array of members;
- each member supporting a protrusion at an oblique angle relative to a supporting surface;
- and
- wherein each protrusion is capable of providing an adhesive force at a surface of between about 60 and 2,000 nano-Newtons.
A fabricated microstructure comprising:
- an array of stalks;
- said stalks having a diameter of between about 50 nanometers and 2.0 microns, and a length of between about 0.5 microns and 20 microns;
- each stalk supporting a spatula at an oblique angle relative to a supporting surface;
- and
- the spatula having a terminal end that provides an adhesive force.
A fabricated microstructure comprising:
- a plurality of shafts extending at an oblique angle from a supporting surface;
- a plurality of stalks extending at an oblique angle from an end of the shafts opposite the shaft ends adjacent the supporting surface;
- at least one protrusion formed at an end of the stalks opposite the stalk ends adjacent the shafts;
- and
- wherein the protrusion is capable of providing an adhesive force at a surface by intermolecular forces.
A method of fabricating an adhesive microstructure, said method comprising the steps of:
- fabricating an array of stalks;
- and
- said array of stalks formed such that the stalks support a protrusion obliquely relative to a supporting surface wherein the protrusion can provide an adhesive force of between about 60 and 2,000 nano-Newtons at a surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.