Four-Point-Latching Microactuator

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Tuesday, January 01 2008 Figure 2 depicts the operation of the present and previous linear actuators and illustrates one of the advantages of the present actuator over the previous one. In the present actuator, the first and third clutches are operated in unison and are mounted on a stationary structure denoted A. The second and fourth clutches are operated in unison and are mounted on a moveable structure, denoted B, that can be driven a short distance forward or backward along the channel by a PZT. In step 1 of an operational sequence in which the slider is moved leftward, the clutches on unit A are released. In step 2, the PZT is extended to push unit B and the slider leftward. In step 3, the clutches on unit A are latched while the clutches on unit B are released. In step 4, the PZT is retracted to bring unit B rightward. Repetition of steps 1 through 4 causes the slider to move leftward in repeated small increments.

The operational sequence of the previous two-clutch actuator is similar. However, the two-clutch configuration is susceptible to tilt of the slider and a consequent large increase in drag. Hence, the primary operational advantages of the present four-point-latching design over the prior two-point-latching design are less drag and greater control robustness arising from greater stability of the orientation of the slider.

This work was done by Risaku Toda and Eui-Hyeok Yang of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to:
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Refer to NPO-42381, volume and number of this NASA Tech Briefs issue, and the page number.