Back to results
US 7,353,593 B2Granted
Method for assembling micro structures
AssigneeSimon Fraser University
InventorRobert W. Johnstone
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for making three-dimensional structures comprises providing a plurality of components, each of which is moveably coupled to a substrate. The components may be pivotally coupled to the substrate by one or more micromachined hinges. The components are moved using electrostatic forces which lift the components from the surface of the substrate. The components may then be moved further by providing electrostatic forces between components. Two or more components may engage with one another to provide a three-dimensional structure.
Claims39
A method for making a three-dimensional structure, the method comprising:
- providing a first component which is moveably coupled to a substrate;
- moving the first component relative to the substrate by applying a first electrostatic force to the first component;
- and
- engaging a second component with the first component, the second component supporting the first component in a desired orientation relative to the substrate;
- wherein engaging the second component with the first component comprises moving the second component relative to the substrate by applying a second electrostatic force to the second component;
- and
- wherein engaging the second component with the first component comprises applying a third electrostatic force between the first component and the second component to move at least one of the first and second components into engagement with one another.
4 more elements
A method for making a three-dimensional structure, the method comprising:
- providing a first component which is moveably coupled to a substrate;
- moving the first component relative to the substrate by applying a first electrostatic force to the first component, wherein moving the first component relative to the substrate comprises pivoting the first component relative to the substrate;
- and
- engaging a second component with the first component, the second component supporting the first component in a desired orientation relative to the substrate, wherein engaging the second component with the first component comprises pivoting the second component relative to the substrate by applying a second electrostatic force to the second component;
- wherein engaging the second component with the first component comprises applying an engagement electrostatic force between the first and second components to move at least one of the first and second components into a configuration where the first and second components are in engagement with one another;
- wherein engaging the second component with the first component comprises passing an electrical current between the first and second components, the electrical current melting a portion of at least one of the first and second components to form a bridge of material therebetween.
3 more elements
A method for making a three-dimensional structure, the method comprising:
- providing a first component which is moveably coupled to a substrate;
- moving the first component relative to the substrate by applying a first electrostatic force to the first component, wherein moving the first component relative to the substrate comprises pivoting the first component relative to the substrate and pivoting the first component relative to the substrate comprises pivoting one or more first micro-mechanical hinges;
- engaging a second component with the first component, the second component supporting the first component in a desired orientation relative to the substrate, wherein engaging the second component with the first component comprises pivoting the second component relative to the substrate by applying a second electrostatic force to the second component and pivoting the second component relative to the substrate comprises pivoting one or more second micro-mechanical hinges;
- providing a brace component pivotally coupled to the substrate;
- and
- pivoting the brace component relative to the substrate, thereby engaging the brace component with the edge of the first component and the edge of the second component, the brace component supporting the first and second components in a desired orientation relative to the substrate
- wherein the first component comprises one or more tabs extending outwardly from an edge thereof, each of the one or more tabs tapered such that it narrows as it extends outwardly from the edge of the first component, and the second component comprises one or more notches extending inwardly from an edge thereof, each of the one or more notches tapered such that it narrows as it extends inwardly from the edge of the second component, and wherein engaging the second component with the first component comprises projecting each of the tabs through a corresponding one of the notches.
4 more elements
A method for making a three-dimensional structure, the method comprising:
- providing a first component which is moveably coupled to a substrate;
- moving the first component relative to the substrate by applying a first electrostatic force to the first component;
- and
- engaging a second component with the first component, the second component supporting the first component in a desired orientation relative to the substrate;
- wherein engaging the second component with the first component comprises applying an engagement electrostatic force between the first and second components to move at least one of the first and second components into a configuration where the first and second components are in engagement with one another;
- wherein engaging the second component with the first component comprises passing an electrical current between the first and second components, the electrical current melting a portion of at least one of the first and second components to form a bridge of material therebetween.
3 more elements
A method for making a three-dimensional structure, the method comprising:
- providing a plurality of components hingedly coupled to a substrate;
- pivoting the components into positions in which the components can be inter-engaged by applying electrostatic forces to the components;
- and
- engaging the components with one another to provide a three-dimensional structure;
- wherein engaging the components with one another comprises applying an engagement electrostatic force between the components to move at least one of the components into a configuration where the components are in engagement with one another;
- wherein engaging the components with one another comprises passing an electrical current between a first one of the plurality of components and a second one of the plurality of components, the electrical current melting a portion of at least one of the first one of the plurality of components and the second one of the plurality of components to form a bridge of material therebetween.
3 more elements
A method for making a three-dimensional structure, the method comprising:
- providing a first component pivotally coupled to a substrate and a brace component pivotally coupled to the substrate;
- applying a first electrostatic force to the first component to pivot the first component about a first axis;
- applying a second electrostatic force to the brace component to pivot the brace component about a second axis;
- and
- applying a third electrostatic force between the first component and the brace component, the third electrostatic force attracting the brace component toward the first component, further pivoting the brace component about the second axis until the brace component engages and supports the first component in a substantially upright orientation.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.