A magnetic membrane actuator utilizing diamagnetic levitation

We present the application of diamagnetic levitation of a small neodymium (NdFeB) floater magnet for the realization of a scalable magnetically actuated membrane actuator in polymer technology. Following this approach the neutral position of the actuating membrane can be adjusted and stabilized by diamagnetic levitation. The actuation of the membrane which encloses the small floater magnet is induced by an integrated coil, driven by an AC-signal. The proposed setup holds the advantage that the neutral position is stabilized with no external energy input, and the separation of the off-position from the driving mechanism allows for versatile possible applications of the device in, for instance, microfluidic systems.