Li Ching Chang

US Patent:

20220388632, Dec 8, 2022

Filed:

Aug 10, 2022

Appl. No.:

17/885082

Inventors:

- Chicago IL, US
Peter Aaron Koch - Kent WA, US
Li Chun Chang - Mt. Pleasant SC, US
Robert Hans Thim - Woodinville WA, US

International Classification:

B64C 21/10
B08B 17/06
B64D 15/12
B64D 15/16
B64D 15/00
B81C 1/00
B81B 3/00
B81B 7/00
B81B 7/02
B81B 7/04

Abstract:

Active surface structures comprise an exposed surface, a controlled group of MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) actuators, and a controlled region of the exposed surface corresponding to the controlled group. The controlled region has a first state, and a second state that is less textured than the first state. Active surface structures may be part of an apparatus that includes a controller and/or one or more sensors. The controller, sensors, and the controlled region may form a feedback loop in which the active surface structure is actively controlled.

US Patent:

20190329872, Oct 31, 2019

Filed:

Jul 10, 2019

Appl. No.:

16/508082

Inventors:

- Chicago IL, US
Peter Aaron Koch - Kent WA, US
Li Chun Chang - Mt. Pleasant SC, US
Robert Hans Thim - Woodinville WA, US

International Classification:

B64C 21/10
B64D 15/16
B64D 15/12
B64D 15/00
B81C 1/00
B81B 3/00
B08B 17/06
B81B 7/04
B81B 7/02
B81B 7/00

Abstract:

Active superhydrophobic surface structures are actively-controlled surface structures exhibiting a superhydrophobic state and an ordinary state. Active superhydrophobic surface structures comprise an outer elastomeric covering defining an exposed surface, a controlled group of MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) actuators at least covered by the elastomeric covering, and, a controlled region of the exposed surface corresponding to the controlled group. The controlled region has a superhydrophobic state in which the controlled region is textured. The controlled region also has an ordinary state in which the controlled region 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 and/or one or more sensors. The controller, sensors, and the controlled region may form a feedback loop in which the active superhydrophobic surface is actively controlled.

US Patent:

20160114883, Apr 28, 2016

Filed:

Oct 23, 2014

Appl. No.:

14/522255

Inventors:

- Huntington Beach CA, US
Peter Aaron Koch - Kent WA, US
Li Chun Chang - Mt. Pleasant SC, US
Robert Hans Thim - Woodinville WA, US

Assignee:

The Boeing Company - Huntington Beach CA

International Classification:

B64C 21/10
B81B 3/00
B81B 7/04
B81B 7/00
B81B 7/02

Abstract:

Active superhydrophobic surface structures are actively-controlled surface structures exhibiting a superhydrophobic state and an ordinary state. Active superhydrophobic surface structures comprise an outer elastomeric covering defining an exposed surface, a controlled group of MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) actuators at least covered by the elastomeric covering, and, a controlled region of the exposed surface corresponding to the controlled group. The controlled region has a superhydrophobic state in which the controlled region is textured. The controlled region also has an ordinary state in which the controlled region 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 and/or one or more sensors. The controller, sensors, and the controlled region may form a feedback loop in which the active superhydrophobic surface is actively controlled.