Dual mode actuator

Year	Description
1998	Invention patented by Wayne Isami Imaino and Matthew T. White on June 11th, 1998. Abstract: A dual mode actuator has an arm assembly mounted on a pivot. The arm assembly has a first arm with a first proximal flex region next to the pivot and a distal flex region at the other end of the arm and a second arm with a second proximal flex region next to the pivot and a second distal flex region at the other end of the second arm. The two arms are joined at their distal ends by a terminal piece equipped with a controlled element, such as an optical or magnetic read-write head or a sensor. A control mechanism which can include VCM coils, MEMs, piezoelectric elements or the like is provided to drive the arm assembly and cause it to execute two motions: rotation about the pivot and flexing at the proximal and distal flex regions which causes the terminal piece to rotate. thus adjusting the position of the controlled element. The rotation about the pivot and rotation of the terminal piece adjust the position of the controlled element.
Source: selected by the editor from original sources.

Invention: Dual mode actuator