Microgripper With Active Release Plunger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microgripper designs lack reliable and accurate release mechanisms for nanometer-sized objects, and they face challenges in downscaling, leading to inefficient manipulation and handling of sub-micrometer and nanometer-sized objects.
Innovation Solution
A device with gripping arms and an active release plunger, actuated by microactuation means, capable of grasping and releasing objects, combined with a novel microfabrication method that allows patterning of two layers from a single side of a wafer, enabling high-aspect-ratio and low-aspect-ratio structures for precise manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional microgripper designs are used, then grasping capability is achieved, but release mechanism reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into functionally independent components: gripping arms for grasping and a separate release plunger for active release. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the release plunger providing reliable release capability without complicating the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The release plunger acts as an intermediary mechanism between the gripping arms and the micro-object. By introducing this intermediate component, the system achieves reliable release without requiring direct manipulation or complex release mechanisms integrated into the gripping arms themselves.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional microgripper designs are used, then grasping is possible, but downscaling to nanometer scale is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping arms are designed with spatially varying thickness, being thicker at the base for structural support and thinner at the tip for precise nanometer-scale manipulation. This local quality variation enables effective downscaling to nanometer scale while maintaining manufacturability through controlled thickness transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention addresses downscaling by varying the thickness dimension of the gripping arms rather than uniformly reducing all dimensions. This approach allows the device to be scaled down to nanometer scale while maintaining structural integrity and manufacturability through controlled dimensional changes.
3Strength
If adhesion forces are used for grasping, then secure holding is achieved, but release becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to weaken adhesion forces for release, the system inverts the approach by using a mechanical plunger to actively push the object off the gripping arm. This inversion of the release strategy enables easy release while maintaining strong adhesion-based grasping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The release plunger utilizes rapid mechanical movement to overcome adhesion forces during release. By introducing dynamic mechanical action through the plunger's rapid deployment, the system achieves easy release without compromising the static grasping strength provided by adhesion forces.
Data Source
AI summary
Micro-nanomanipulation device that is capable of grasping and actively releasing micro or nanometer-sized objects in ambient and vacuum environments as well as methods of manufacturing the devices of the present invention. The micro-nanomanipulation device includes gripping arms, an active release plunger to impact or push objects, and microactuators that actuate the gripping arms and the active release plunger.