Bi-stable micro switch
US6303885A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 3, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 3, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2001/0042
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A bi-stable micro-machined electromechanical system ("MEMS") switch. In a preferred embodiment, the bi-stable MEMS switch is used in an N.times.N optical signal switching system. Spring arms act in conjunction with a hollow beam portion of a movable center body of the switch to accommodate strain in the arms as the switch is moved from a first position to a second position, thus avoiding buckling of the spring arms. Both the first and second switch position occur at local minimums of mechanical potential energy, thus providing two stable switch states. The center body is moved in relation to static portions of the switch by an actuator, such as an electro-static comb drive.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.