FLUID-DRIVEN BUBBLE ACTUATOR ARRAYS

摘要

This disclosure includes bubble actuator arrays and methods for making and using the same. Some bubble actuator arrays include a first flexible layer having a substantially flat first portion and a plurality of second portions that protrude away from the first portion to define chambers, a flexible second layer sealed to the first layer to define a plurality of cells in the chambers and between the layers, and where the array can be coupled to a fluid source such that the internal pressures of the cells can be varied. Some of the present methods include adjusting with a processor and fluid source the pressure in the cells of an array. Others of the present methods include placing sacrificial material into chambers of a molded first layer such that a plurality of cells is formed when a second layer is molded coincident to the first and the sacrificial material is removed.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
a flexible first layer comprising a substantially flat first portion and a plurality of second portions each protruding away from the first portion to define a chamber, a majority of which is surrounded by a boundary lying on the first portion; a flexible second layer that is substantially flat; where the first layer is sealed in fixed relation to the second layer along the boundaries to define a plurality of cells between the first layer and the second layer in the chambers and such that the first layer has a surface overlying the cells; and where the apparatus is configured to be coupled to a fluid source such that the fluid source can deliver fluid to vary internal pressures of the plurality of cells.