Switch for use in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and MEMS devices incorporating same
First Claim
1. A MEMS switch, comprising:
- a resilient contact element comprising a resilient beam and a tip configured to wipe a contact surface; and
a MEMS actuator comprising the contact surface and having an open position that maintains the tip and the contact surface in a spaced apart relation and a closed position that brings the tip into contact with the contact surface, wherein the resilient contact element and the MEMS actuator are disposed on a substrate and are movable in a plane substantially parallel to the substrate.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention provide microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switching methods and apparatus having improved performance and lifetime as compared to conventional MEMS switches. In some embodiments, a MEMS switch may include a resilient contact element comprising a beam and a tip configured to wipe a contact surface; and a MEMS actuator having an open position that maintains the tip and the contact surface in a spaced apart relation and a closed position that brings the tip into contact with the contact surface, wherein the resilient contact element and the MEMS actuator are disposed on a substrate and are movable in a plane substantially parallel to the substrate. In some embodiments, various contact elements are provided for the MEMS switch. In some embodiments, various actuators are provided for control of the operation of the MEMS switch.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A MEMS switch, comprising:
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a resilient contact element comprising a resilient beam and a tip configured to wipe a contact surface; and a MEMS actuator comprising the contact surface and having an open position that maintains the tip and the contact surface in a spaced apart relation and a closed position that brings the tip into contact with the contact surface, wherein the resilient contact element and the MEMS actuator are disposed on a substrate and are movable in a plane substantially parallel to the substrate. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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8. A MEMS switch, comprising:
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a resilient contact element comprising a beam flexible about a pivot point and a having a tip disposed proximate an end of the beam and configured to engage a contact surface; and a MEMS actuator coupled to the resilient contact element and having an open position that maintains the tip and the contact surface in a spaced apart relation and a closed position that brings the tip into contact with the contact surface, wherein the actuator is directly engaged with the beam at a point remote from the pivot point, and wherein the resilient contact element and the MEMS actuator are disposed on a substrate and movable in a plane substantially parallel to the substrate. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification