ELECTROSTATIC/PNEUMATIC ACTUATORS FOR ACTIVE SURFACES

An actuator device providing an active surface. The actuator has a base having at least one first electrostatic electrode mounted therein which is oriented for electrostatic cooperative action with an opposing electrostatic electrode in a cover mounted above the first electrostatic electrode to define an enclosed cavity. The cover has at least one second electrostatic electrode for cooperative electrostatic activation between the electrostatic electrodes. The cover also has an outer surface forming the active surface. A power supply is operably connected to the electrostatic electrodes for causing the cooperative electrostatic activation. A quantity of fluid is contained within the cavity for pneumatically defining active surface conditions during cooperative electrostatic actuation. The cavity may be closed to provide a sealed cavity for movement of the fluid, either a gas or a liquid, during the cooperative electrostatic actuation, or it may be open to the atmosphere. The electrostatic electrodes may comprise a plurality of electrostatic electrodes arranged in a pattern to cause a predetermined change in the active surface. Various patterns may be used, such as bands, patches and regions. Also provided is control electronics in the base for controlling application of power from the power supply.