Gradually-actuating micromechanical device
First Claim
1. A switch comprising a contact element attached to an actuating member, wherein a force associated with actuation of the switch increases from one side of the contact element to an opposing side of the contact element, and wherein a variation of the force is directed along an angle having an absolute value less than 180 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the actuating member.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In a method for forming a micromechanical device, a force associated with operation of the device is varied between locations spaced across a conductive element of the device. The method may be used to form a switch adapted such that a force associated with actuation of the switch varies between locations spaced across a contact element of the switch. The varied force may include a required closing force for the switch, an applied force during actuation of the switch, a restoring force tending to open the switch, and/or a sticking force tending to keep the switch closed. A variable-valued circuit element having a conductive element and conductive pad may also be formed, adapted such that a fraction of the conductive element which is moved to the proximity of the conductive pad is variable depending on a total magnitude of a force applied.
53 Citations
26 Claims
- 1. A switch comprising a contact element attached to an actuating member, wherein a force associated with actuation of the switch increases from one side of the contact element to an opposing side of the contact element, and wherein a variation of the force is directed along an angle having an absolute value less than 180 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the actuating member.
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25. A switch comprising:
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an actuating member;
a contact element attached to the actuating member, wherein a force associated with actuation of the switch increases from one side of the contact element to an opposing side of the contact element, and wherein a direction of variation of the force is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the actuating member;
a contact pad adapted to make electrical contact with at least a portion of the contact element upon closing of the switch; and
a control element for inducing movement of the contact element toward the contact pad, wherein the variation of force causes consecutive portions of the contact element to move towards the contact pad in a rolling motion.
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26. A switch having a plurality of components comprising:
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an actuating member;
a contact element attached to the actuating member;
a contact pad adapted to make electrical contact with at least a portion of the contact element upon closing of the switch; and
a control element for inducing movement of the contact element toward the contact pad;
wherein at least one of the plurality of components is asymmetrically formed along a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the actuating member, and wherein the asymmetrical form causes a variation of force across the contact element along the transverse direction.
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Specification