Micro Electrostatic Motor with Membrane Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current miniature electrostatic motors and micro mechanical force transfer devices face challenges in efficiently converting electrical energy to mechanical energy on a micron/millimeter scale, particularly in industrial, medical, and biological applications, where high precision and cost-effectiveness are required.
Innovation Solution
The development of micro electrostatic motors and micro mechanical force transfer devices using roll-to-roll manufacturing techniques, which include a body frame with a membrane and gear elements, where the membrane forms annular apertures to create a central region affixed to the gear element, allowing for the creation of shafts or axles, enabling efficient force transfer and energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electric motors with magnetic fields and conductors are used, then reliable mechanical energy conversion is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional electromagnetic motor system (with magnetic fields, conductors, and complex winding structures) with an electrostatic motor system that uses electric field-based capacitive effects. This substitution simplifies the motor structure by eliminating the need for magnetic materials, complex conductor windings, and commutators, while maintaining reliable mechanical energy conversion through the interaction between stator and rotor electrodes in a capacitive configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters from electromagnetic interaction to electrostatic interaction. By using capacitive effects with controlled voltage application to stator and rotor electrodes, the system achieves mechanical energy conversion through electrostatic attraction and repulsion forces, thereby simplifying the overall device structure and reducing manufacturing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If miniaturization is pursued for micron/millimeter scale applications, then application suitability improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the motor into distinct functional layers (body layer, membrane layers, gear layers) that can be independently fabricated and then assembled. This segmentation allows each layer to be manufactured with standard tolerances using roll-to-roll processing, avoiding the need for ultra-precise monolithic fabrication. The modular layered structure enables miniaturization while maintaining manufacturability through sequential assembly of pre-fabricated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar two-dimensional fabrication to three-dimensional stacked assembly. By fabricating individual layers in 2D using roll-to-roll processing and then stacking them vertically to form the complete motor and gear assembly, the system achieves miniaturization in the Z-dimension while maintaining manufacturing precision through established 2D fabrication techniques. This dimensional transition enables complex 3D structures to be built from simpler 2D components.
3Ease of manufacture
If roll-to-roll manufacturing is used, then manufacturing cost decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complete device into multiple separate layers (body layer, first membrane layer, second membrane layer, gear layers) that can be independently fabricated using roll-to-roll processing. Each layer is manufactured separately with standard techniques and then assembled through lamination and bonding. This segmentation enables cost-effective mass production while the final assembled structure achieves the required functional complexity for miniaturized motor and gear integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a single integrated stacked structure. The body layer, membrane layers with electrodes, and gear layers are combined vertically to form a compact assembly where the motor and gear mechanisms occupy the same footprint. This merging reduces overall device size and enables the complex multi-functional structure to be manufactured cost-effectively through roll-to-roll processing of individual layers followed by assembly.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These devices can operate as high-speed, low-torque or low-speed, high-torque motors, providing efficient mechanical energy conversion suitable for various applications, while being fabricated using inexpensive methods, thus addressing the need for cost-effective and precise solutions.
Implementation Method 1
Electrostatic motors operate using capacitive effects based on attraction and repulsion of electric charges.
Implementation Method 2
Electrostatic motors operate using capacitive effects based on attraction and repulsion of electric charges.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a force transfer device that includes a first body that has a first body frame that defines a first chamber and at least one gear element. The gear element has a central gear element region. A first membrane is affixed to a surface of the first body frame, the membrane covering the chamber and having an annular aperture enclosing a central region of the membrane that is affixed to the central gear element region of the gear element. The disclosed force transfer device can be axle or shaft based. Also disclosed in a micro electrostatic motor that includes a motor body having a first and a second face, the motor body defining a chamber and a rotor having a central region. A membrane is disposed over the first face of the motor body, the membrane supporting a pair of spaced electrodes that are electrically isolated by a gap, the membrane having an annular aperture that defines a central region of the membrane that is coupled to the central region of the rotor. The force transfer device can be driven by the electrostatic motor.