Dynamic simulation as a design tool for a microactuator array

Abstract

We use dynamic simulation to optimize the design of an existing micro-electromechanical (MEM) device, called the manipulation chip (M-Chip). This device contains an excess of 10000 moving actuators, called resonators, which oscillate torsionally at a few kHz. Parts dropped on the chip's surface are conveyed towards a unique direction. Given the enormous number of moving parts, it is impractical to attempt to measure the device's (or part's) dynamic state during a manipulation task. Yet, knowing this information is crucial for redesign and optimization. We make use of a powerful dynamic simulation tool, called "Impulse", to generate synthetic measurements over a range of experiments. From these results, we suggest redesign options which debug existing problems and improve the feed rate. The array is found to behave similar to a viscous spring-loaded conveyor belt; most of its energy is spent on driving the part vertically, calling for a more efficient design.