Micro-magnetic latching switch with relaxed permanent magnet alignment requirements
US6794965B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 18, 2002 |
| Grant date | Sep 21, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2050/007
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A micro magnetic latching device. The device comprises a substrate having a moveable element supported thereon. The moveable element (cantilever) has a long axis and a magnetic material. The device also has first and second magnets that produce a first magnetic field, which induces a magnetization in the magnetic material. The magnetization is characterized by a magnetization vector pointing in a direction along the long axis of the moveable element, wherein the first magnetic field is approximately perpendicular to a major central portion of the long axis. The device also has a coil that produces a second magnetic field to switch the movable element between two stable states, wherein only temporary application of the second magnetic field is required to change direction of the magnetization vector thereby causing the movable element to switch between the two stable states.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.