Patent ID: 7602266
Filing Date: 2009-10-13
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A microelectromechanical (MEMS) switch comprising: a substrate having a planar top surface; a first movable actuator affixed to the top surface of the substrate in a cantilever manner such that it has a substantially immovable end and a free movable end; and a second movable actuator affixed to the top surface of the substrate in a cantilever manner such that it has a substantially immovable end and a free movable end; a pair of electrical contacts disposed upon the substrate; an electrical conductive member attached to the movable end of the first actuator such that the conductive member electrically contacts the pair of electrical contacts when the first actuator is in its deflected position; a latching mechanism which secures the first movable actuator and the second movable actuator in their deflected positions wherein upon activation said first movable actuator moves from a neutral position to a deflected position wherein said first actuator movement is in a direction perpendicular to the planar substrate surface and said second movable actuator upon activation moves from a neutral position to a deflected position wherein said second actuator movement is in a direction parallel to the planar substrate surface; wherein the first movable actuator includes a hot arm member and a cold arm member said hot arm member having a pair of pads affixed to the substrate such that when a sufficient electrical current flows between the pair of pads the hot arm member elongates sufficiently to effect the movement of the first movable actuator to its deflected position; and wherein the cold arm member of the first movable actuator comprises a pair of pads affixed to the substrate such that when a sufficient electrical current flows between the pair of pads the cold arm member elongates sufficiently to effect the movement of the first movable actuator towards its neutral position.