Patent · US Expired

Non-linear hinge for micro-mechanical device

US5739941A · kind A · utility

50Cited by
7References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 20, 1995
Grant dateApr 14, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 20, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG02B26/0841
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A non-linear torsion hinge (12, 22) for a micro-mechanical device (10, 20) having a hinged movable element (11, 21). Each hinge (22) is comprised of two hinge strips (22a) spaced apart in the same plane, such that the axis of rotation of at least one of the hinge strips (22a) is different from the axis of rotation of the movable element (21). As a result, the hinge strip (22a) must elongate as it twists, thereby providing a greater restoring torque.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.