Active superhydrophobic surface structures are actively-controlled surface structures exhibiting a superhydrophobic state and an ordinary state. Active superhydrophobic surface structures (22) comprise an outer elastomeric covering (28) defining an exposed surface (20), a controlled group (26) of MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) actuators (30) at least covered by the elastomeric covering (28), and, a controlled region (24) of the exposed surface (20) corresponding to the controlled group (26). The controlled region (24) has a superhydrophobic state (42) in which the controlled region (24) is textured. The controlled region also has an ordinary state (44) in which the controlled region (24) is smooth (i.e., less textured than in the superhydrophobic state). Active superhydrophobic surface structures may be part of an apparatus that includes a controller (62) and/or one or more sensors (60). The controller, sensors, and the controlled region may form a feedback loop in which the active superhydrophobic surface is actively controlled.
ACTIVELY-CONTROLLED SUPERHYDROPHOBIC SURFACES
AKTIV GESTEUERTE SUPERHYDROPHOBE OBERFLÄCHEN
SURFACES SUPERHYDROPHOBES ACTIVEMENT CONTRÔLÉES
2019-02-13
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
IPC: | B08B Reinigen allgemein , CLEANING IN GENERAL / B64C AEROPLANES , Flugzeuge / B64D Ausrüstung für Flugzeuge , EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT / B81B Mikrostrukturbauelemente oder -systeme, z.B. mikromechanische Bauelemente , MICROSTRUCTURAL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS, e.g. MICROMECHANICAL DEVICES / B81C Verfahren oder Geräte besonders ausgebildet zur Herstellung oder Behandlung von Mikrostrukturbauelementen oder -systemen , PROCESSES OR APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE MANUFACTURE OR TREATMENT OF MICROSTRUCTURAL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS / H02G INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES , Verlegen oder Installieren elektrischer Kabel oder Leitungen, Verlegen oder Installieren kombinierter optischer und elektrischer Kabel oder Leitungen |