Patent ID: 6713908
Filing Date: 2004-03-30
Classification: H01H,Y10S

Abstract:
A DC motor comprising:a plurality of windings; at least one microelectronic mechanical system (MEMS) relay positioned in the motor to activate in the presence of a magnetic field, where each relay includes: a first substrate formed from a nonconductive or semiconductive material; a magnetic actuation plate micro-machined on said first substrate, said magnetic actuation plate having a first conductive surface, said magnetic actuation plate comprising one or more anchors in direct contact with the first substrate, where said magnetic actuation plate and said one or more anchors are formed of permalloy material; and a second substrate provided adjacent to said magnetic actuation plate, said second substrate having a nonconductive surface and a second conductive surface, where said first and second conductive surfaces define at least two switching states, including an open state in which the conductive surfaces are physically separated from each other, and a closed state in which the conductive surfaces physically contact each other, where said magnetic actuation plate, in the presence of a magnetic field, creates an actuation force that causes the electrically conductive surfaces to switch from one of the switching states to another of the switching states, and where each relay is connected electrically to at least one corresponding winding and to power; and a magnetic rotor having at least one pole positioned to induce a magnetic field in each MEMS relay when passing by the relay.