Process to manufacture bushings for micromechanical elements
US5417801A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 29, 1993 |
| Grant date | May 23, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 29, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB81B2201/035
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A process in which micromechanical bushings can be made and the application of such process to making micromechanical devices. Bushings are made on a surface of a stationary structure extending from a planar surface. The bushings are separated from the stationary structure by a sacrificial layer. The stationary structure, the bushing and the planar surface are then further processed by coating with a second sacrificial layer, and a structural layer. The structural layer is patterned into a movable structure that is held onto the stationary structure by a curved, undercut edge such as gear on stool. Final processing includes removing both sacrificial layers to free the movable structure, the bushing, and the stationary structure from each other. The bushing is trapped between the movable structure and the stationary structure but able to move freely.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.