Method for flow control

Abstract

A mechanical amplifier and method for converting a small motion amplitude to a larger motion amplitude are disclosed. The method includes using two or more beams which are connected in series at angles to each other. Undesirable movements arising in the structure are absorbed by the structure through torsion. Each beam is a mechanical motion amplifier, and by connecting these in series, the total amplification is the product of the amplification of the comprised beams. The disclosure also pertains to a device comprising two or more beams connected together at an angle of 90 degrees in one embodiment.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for manufacturing a mechanical motion amplifier, comprising:
 cutting two beams connected in series from a piece of foil, and bending said foil to obtain two beams connected in series at an angle, wherein each beam has a thickness substantially smaller than its orthogonal extension, and wherein said foil is bent orthogonally the thickness to obtain said two angled beams.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising arranging a piezo actuator parallel to one of said two beam's thickness at one of said two beams to create a motion that can be amplified by the two angled connected beams. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein no machined surface of the beams are exposed to bowing or bending. 
     
     
         4 . The method according  claim 1 , further comprising providing at least one supporting element for each beam about which said beam can be pivoted. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising arranging an actuator unit at a first beam for a pushing or pulling motion on said first beam. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein said actuator unit being arranged at a position at a distance X1 from said supporting element of said first beam. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said beams connected in series are composed of a continuous piece of foil. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein a first beam is being arranged in relation to a second beam so that twisting motions and lateral motions against said first beam, caused by motions of said second beam bearing on said first beam, are absorbed by said first beam through lateral bending and torsion. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising arranging a beam having no amplifying effect of the motion, and connecting two adjacent beams having an amplifying effect of the motion. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising providing at least two units of serially connected beams, and positioning of one or more actuator units vertically against said at least two units of serially connected beams. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said beams are higher in a direction of a load and/or a thickness of said beam increases orthogonally towards the direction of the load.