Additional force augmented electroadhesion

摘要

An electrostatic device or system includes electrode(s) adapted to produce an electrostatic attraction force and a base surface adapted to facilitate the application of the electrostatic attraction force and also a physical attraction force separate therefrom. The electrostatic and physical attraction forces can maintain a position of the electrostatic device relative to a foreign object via electroadhesion and/or via an additional manner that is separate from the electroadhesion. The physical attraction force can be a vacuum, van der Waals, and/or adhesive force, can be applied at less than all locations across the base surface, and may involve a one-time permanent attachment. The base surface can include a deformable surface portion that moves closer to the foreign object when the electrostatic or physical attraction force is applied. The physical attraction force can be sufficient to adhere the device to the object when the electrostatic attraction force is removed.

主权项

1. An electrostatic device, comprising:
one or more electrodes adapted to produce collectively an electrostatic attraction force between the electrostatic device and a foreign object, wherein the electrostatic attraction force is suitable to facilitate maintaining a given position of the electrostatic device relative to the foreign object; and a base surface configured to interact with the foreign object, wherein the base surface facilitates the application of the electrostatic attraction force and also a separate physical attraction force between the electrostatic device and the foreign object, whereby the given position of the electrostatic device relative to the foreign object is maintained due to both the electrostatic attraction force and the separate physical attraction force, wherein said base surface comprises a deformable surface, and wherein at least a portion of the deformable surface moves closer to the foreign object when the electrostatic attraction force or the separate physical attraction force is applied.