Fluid-based switch, and method of making same
US7211754B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 1, 2005 |
| Grant date | May 1, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 28, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2239/006
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In one embodiment, a switch includes first and second mated substrates defining therebetween a number of cavities. A plurality of electrically conductive elements extends to near at least a first of the cavities. A switching fluid, held within at least the first of the cavities, serves to electrically, but not physically, couple and decouple at least a pair of the electrically conductive elements, in response to forces that are applied to the switching fluid. A passivation layer covers at least a first of the electrically conductive elements and i) separates the first of the electrically conductive elements from at least the first of the cavities, and ii) is a dielectric for a capacitor formed between the first of the electrically conductive elements and the switching fluid. Other switches, and methods for making same, are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.