Motion conversion system

Abstract

A motion conversion system is described. The motion conversion system comprises a first torsional member operative for rotating in a first direction. A second torsional member is offset a distance from the first torsional member, wherein the second torsional member is operative for rotating in a direction opposite from the first direction. And, a lateral member has a lower surface connected to the first and second torsional members. Wherein, translational movement of the lateral member results from rotational movement of the first and second torsional members.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device comprising:
 a stationary hinge support;   a movable hinge support;   a lever pivotably connected to the stationary hinge support for rotation about a first hinge axis and fixably attached to the movable hinge support;   a lateral member extending from the lever;   the stationary hinge support, movable hinge support, lever, and lateral member configured such that a rotational movement of the lever about the first hinge axis causes a translational movement of the lateral member.   
     
     
         2 . The MEMS device of  claim 1 , wherein the stationary hinge support, movable hinge support, lever, and lateral member are further configured such that a rotational movement of the lever about the first hinge axis causes a translational movement of the movable hinge support. 
     
     
         3 . A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device comprising:
 a first fixed motion conversion device having a first stationary hinge support and a first lever pivotably connected to the first stationary hinge support for rotation about a first hinge axis;   a first non-stationary motion conversion device having a first movable hinge support fixably attached to the first lever;   a second fixed motion conversion device having a second stationary hinge support and a second lever pivotably connected to the second stationary hinge support for rotation about a second hinge axis;   a second non-stationary motion conversion device having a second movable hinge support fixably attached to the second lever; and   a lateral member connected between the first non-stationary motion conversion device and the second non-stationary motion conversion device;   the lateral member, first and second fixed motion conversion devices, and first and second non-stationary devices configured such that a rotational movement of the first lever about the first hinge axis and a rotational movement of the second lever about the second hinge axis causes a translational movement of the lateral member.   
     
     
         4 . The MEMS device of  claim 3 , wherein the lateral member, first and second fixed motion conversion devices, and first and second non-stationary devices are further configured such that the rotational movement of the first lever about the first hinge axis and the rotational movement of the second lever about the second hinge axis causes a translational movement of the first and second non-stationary motion conversion devices.