US 7,548,009 B2 · Miniature motor

Abstract

A miniature motor includes an actuator and a transmission assembly. The actuator includes a chamber, an electrically conductive aqueous layer, a dielectric oily layer and two electrodes. The aqueous and oily layers are accommodated in the chamber. The oily layer contacts with the aqueous layer thereby forming a contact interface therebetween. The two electrodes are configured for producing an electric field to induce the aqueous layer to produce an electrowetting effect. The transmission assembly includes a thin film disposed at the interface and at least one transmission member. The thin film defines a first surface and a second surface, respectively, facing towards the aqueous and oily layers. A hydrophilic coating and a hydrophobic coating are, respectively, formed on the first and second surfaces. Each transmission member has a first end connected to one of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic coatings and a second end extending out of the chamber.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A miniature motor comprising:

an actuator, the actuator comprising:
a chamber;
an electrically conductive aqueous layer accommodated in the chamber;
a dielectric oily layer accommodated in the chamber, the oily layer contacting with the aqueous layer, thereby forming a contact interface therebetween;
and
a pair of electrodes configured for generating an electric field to induce the aqueous layer to produce an electrowetting effect;
and
a transmission assembly comprising:
a thin film disposed at the contact interface, the thin film defining a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first and second surfaces, respectively, facing towards the aqueous and oily layers, a hydrophilic coating and a hydrophobic coating being, respectively, formed on the first and second surfaces;
and
at least one transmission member, each transmission member having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end being connected to one of the hydrophilic coating and the hydrophobic coating of the thin film, the second end extending out of the chamber.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Miniature motor

Life of this patent

Miniature motor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17