MEM structure having reduced spring stiction
First Claim
1. A micro-electromechanical (MEM) structure comprising:
- a proof mass movable with respect to a substrate;
a spring anchor rigidly coupled to the substrate;
a tether spring, the proof mass physically coupled to the spring anchor via the tether spring, wherein the tether spring includes a wall with a height; and
a first structure rigidly coupled to the substrate, the first structure including a first major surface facing the wall of the tether spring, wherein the first major surface includes a plurality of notches.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A micro-electromechanical (MEM) device has a folded tether spring in which each fold of the spring is surrounded by a rigidly fixed inner structure and outer structure. The fixed inner structure increases restoring force of the spring. The rigidly fixed inner and outer structures each have a major surface that include a plurality of notches of fixed width relative to a distance between the major surface and the spring. Additionally in one form extensions from the major surface of the rigidly fixed inner and outer structures are provided at distal ends thereof to make initial contact with the spring. The notches of the MEM device both reduce surface area contact with the spring and wick moisture away from the spring to minimize stiction.
18 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A micro-electromechanical (MEM) structure comprising:
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a proof mass movable with respect to a substrate;
a spring anchor rigidly coupled to the substrate;
a tether spring, the proof mass physically coupled to the spring anchor via the tether spring, wherein the tether spring includes a wall with a height; and
a first structure rigidly coupled to the substrate, the first structure including a first major surface facing the wall of the tether spring, wherein the first major surface includes a plurality of notches. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20)
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19. (canceled)
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21. A micro-electromechanical (MEM) structure comprising:
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a proof mass movable with respect to a substrate;
a spring anchor rigidly coupled to the substrate;
a tether spring, the proof mass physically coupled to the spring anchor via the tether spring, wherein the tether spring includes a first portion and a second portion in a folded configuration; and
a first structure rigidly coupled to the substrate, the first structure includes at least a portion located between the first portion and the second portion, the first structure including a first major surface facing a first wall of the first portion, the first structure including a second major surface facing a second wall of the second portion, the first major surface comprises a first plurality of notches, the second major surface comprises a second plurality of notches. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
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25. A micro-electromechanical (MEM) structure comprising:
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a proof mass located above a substrate and movable with respect to the substrate;
a spring anchor located above the substrate and rigidly coupled to the substrate;
a tether spring integrally formed with the proof mass, the proof mass physically coupled to the spring anchor via the tether spring, the tether spring comprising an elongated portion having a vertical wall; and
a first structure rigidly coupled to the substrate, the first structure including a first major vertical surface facing the vertical wall of the tether spring, wherein the first major vertical surface includes a plurality of vertically oriented notches, each notch of the plurality of vertically oriented notches is laterally spaced along the vertical wall and separated by at least a first distance from an adjacent notch of the plurality of vertically oriented notches, wherein each notch of the plurality of vertically oriented notches has a lateral width that is equal to or less than the first distance. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27)
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Specification