Patent ID: 6664885
Filing Date: 2003-12-16
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
A microelectromechanical device for latching an actuator to a substrate, comprising:a substrate comprising a thermally activated material located on the substrate; a heater coupled to the thermally activated material and capable of heating the thermally-activated material until it softens; and an actuator including: i) an actuating mechanism having a contact area, the actuating mechanism including a first member comprising a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion, and a second member comprising a second material having a second different coefficient of thermal expansion; ii) a first heating element arranged in thermal communication with the first member; iii) a second heating element arranged in thermal communication with the second member; wherein the first and second members have different expansion characteristics arranged to permit the actuator to move between a contact position and a non-contact position, wherein the contact area of the actuator is in contact with the thermally activated material of the substrate in the contact position, and wherein the contact area is spaced apart from the thermally activated material in the non-contact position.