Patent ID: 6606913
Filing Date: 2003-08-19
Classification: G01B,G01L

Abstract:
A micromachined strain sensor comprising:(a) a substrate with a surface; (b) a sacrificial layer on the surface of the substrate; (c) a microstructural beam member anchored to the substrate at one end and having a portion that is deposited on the sacrificial layer; (d) at least one electrically conductive displaceable tine connected to the beam member to displace with the beam member as the beam member expands or contracts; and (e) at least one electrically conductive mating tine mounted to the substrate closely adjacent to a displaceable tine to define adjacent tines such that a capacitor is formed between the adjacent tines which has a capacitance that can change with displacements of the displaceable tine when the sacrificial layer is removed to release the beam member.