The Anti-Gravity MicroMachine

Presented by: Vertically Challenged

Introduction

Vertically Challenged is

Shabnam Abedi MoghaddamMichele La HayeRichard TuTerrence Yu

What are Micromirrors?Change the angle of a reflected beam in multiplexing and de-multiplexing of optical signalsVery precise and flawlessAim: raise the mirror to the desired angle

Mirror AnimationClick in window to start animation

The ProblemVertical lift cannot be obtained through horizontal movementFabrication process leads the mirror to sag down

The SolutionProvide initial lift to the mirror

Thermal ActuatorsMake use of differing arm thickness to provide movementProblem: using the principles described, it is difficult to obtain vertical movement

Vertical Thermal ActuatorsDesign 1: Built to provide a downward motion but is overdriven; when current is removed the actuator snaps up

More Vertical Thermal Actuators Design 2: Provides upward motion through the use of thin flexible connectors

- Thin bar on bottom-

Even More Vertical Thermal ActuatorsDesign 3: U-shaped designed to prevent thicker arm from conforming

Thermal Actuator AnimationClick in window to start animation

LeversDesign 4: Downward Vertical Thermal Actuator is used to create lift by pressing down on one end of a lever

More LeversDesign 5: Flexible connector used to transfer downward force of Vertical Thermal Actuator to a lever

Lever AnimationClick in window to start animation

Linear Stepper MotorMakes use of 2 banks of horizontal thermal actuators to provide a drive mechanism

- talk about the design that we used and the changes that we had to make (teeth configuration and having two steppers to provide movement in both directions)

Staple Hinge

Staple Hinge Issues

Torsion HingeThin flexible rods attached to mirror on either side

MirrorRotating BarLeverApplied ForcePrevent Bar from Bowing OutTorsion Hinge

Final Picture

Possible IssuesTorsion hinge might break or not be flexible enoughActuating arms might bendVertical thermal actuators might not give enough deflection

- tortion hinge: not flexible enough, might break- arm might flow, bend, or break if we remove the staples- the actuators just might not work (they can go down and not come up)

ConclusionTesting has yet to be doneWe are confident of positive results Terrence

Thanks ToDr. Ash ParameswaranRob JohnstoneShivalik BakshiCoffee

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- Thin bar on bottom-

- talk about the design that we used and the changes that we had to make (teeth configuration and having two steppers to provide movement in both directions)

- tortion hinge: not flexible enough, might break- arm might flow, bend, or break if we remove the staples- the actuators just might not work (they can go down and not come up)