Pivotable MEMS device
First Claim
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1. A micro-electro-mechanical device comprising:
- a substrate;
a pivoting structure comprising;
a tiltable platform disposed over the substrate, pivotable about a first axis substantially parallel to the substrate, wherein the tiltable platform is asymmetric about the first axis, having a long side extending in a first direction perpendicular to the first axis and a short side extending a shorter distance than the long side in a second, opposite direction;
a pedestal extending upwardly from the tiltable platform; and
a reflector mounted on the pedestal, the reflector extending over the short side and a first portion of the long side of the tiltable platform, wherein a second portion of the long side of the tiltable platform extends from under the reflector;
wherein the pivoting structure has a center of gravity on or directly above the first axis;
a first support for supporting the tiltable platform over the substrate;
a first hinge structure defining the first axis, extending between the first support and the tiltable platform; and
a first electrode structure including a first electrode mounted on the substrate under the long side of the tiltable platform, for tilting the pivoting structure about the first axis.
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Abstract
A tiltable MEMS device is disclosed having an asymmetric, electrostatically actuated tiltable platform and a reflector mounted on the platform so that the platform is hidden below the reflector, except for a portion of long side of the platform extending from under the reflector. An electrostatic stator actuator is mounted on the substrate under the long side of the tiltable platform. The range of a unidirectional tilt is increased by providing a recess in the substrate under the extended portion of the platform to accommodate the increased range of movement of the tiltable platform.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A micro-electro-mechanical device comprising:
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a substrate; a pivoting structure comprising; a tiltable platform disposed over the substrate, pivotable about a first axis substantially parallel to the substrate, wherein the tiltable platform is asymmetric about the first axis, having a long side extending in a first direction perpendicular to the first axis and a short side extending a shorter distance than the long side in a second, opposite direction; a pedestal extending upwardly from the tiltable platform; and a reflector mounted on the pedestal, the reflector extending over the short side and a first portion of the long side of the tiltable platform, wherein a second portion of the long side of the tiltable platform extends from under the reflector; wherein the pivoting structure has a center of gravity on or directly above the first axis; a first support for supporting the tiltable platform over the substrate; a first hinge structure defining the first axis, extending between the first support and the tiltable platform; and a first electrode structure including a first electrode mounted on the substrate under the long side of the tiltable platform, for tilting the pivoting structure about the first axis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification