Micro-machined electromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer device having arcuately shaped flexures
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A suspension apparatus, comprising:
- a first substantially arcuately shaped flexure having a cross-section that is relatively substantially extended in the plane of the arcuate shape, the first flexure having a first end structured for connection to a support structure and a second end structured for connection to a movable structure to be suspended from the support structure; and
a second substantially arcuately shaped flexure that is arcuately shaped similarly to the first flexure and having a cross-section that is relatively substantially extended in the plane of the arcuate shape and having a first end structured for connection to the support structure and a second end structured for connection to the movable structure, the arcuate shape of the second flexure being aligned with the arcuate shape of the first flexure and in combination with the first flexure forming a hinge having an axis of rotation that extends through the first and second flexures.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for suspending a movable structure form a support structure wherein first and second flat and thin arcuately shaped flexures are formed having spaced apart substantially planar and parallel opposing surfaces, each of the first and second flexures being structured for connection between a support structure and a movable structure to be suspended from the support structure and being aligned along a common axis of rotation between the support structure and the movable structure.
17 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A suspension apparatus, comprising:
-
a first substantially arcuately shaped flexure having a cross-section that is relatively substantially extended in the plane of the arcuate shape, the first flexure having a first end structured for connection to a support structure and a second end structured for connection to a movable structure to be suspended from the support structure; and
a second substantially arcuately shaped flexure that is arcuately shaped similarly to the first flexure and having a cross-section that is relatively substantially extended in the plane of the arcuate shape and having a first end structured for connection to the support structure and a second end structured for connection to the movable structure, the arcuate shape of the second flexure being aligned with the arcuate shape of the first flexure and in combination with the first flexure forming a hinge having an axis of rotation that extends through the first and second flexures. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
- 9. A suspension apparatus, comprising first and second flat and thin arcuately shaped flexures having spaced apart substantially planar and parallel opposing surfaces, each of the first and second flexures being structured for connection between a support structure and a movable structure to be suspended from the support structure and being aligned along a common axis of rotation between the support structure and the movable structure.
-
15. An acceleration sensor, comprising:
-
an epitaxial layer of semiconductor material having spaced apart substantially planar and parallel opposing surfaces;
a support frame formed in the epitaxial layer;
a proof mass formed in the epitaxial layer adjacent to the support frame for travel in a direction crosswise to the plane of the substrate; and
a pliant suspension member formed in the epitaxial layer and interconnected between the support frame and the proof mass, the suspension member being formed of first and second arcuately shaped flexure members each having a cross-section that is wider in a plane crosswise to the direction of travel of the proof mass relative to a plane aligned with the direction of travel. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
Specification