Patent ID: 6183097
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: G01P,H01H,Y10S

Abstract:
A micromotion amplifier comprising:a first micromechanical beam having a moveable first end, a middle region, a second end connected to a fixed reference and a longitudinal axis;an actuator operative upon the first end of said first beam in a direction coincident with the longitudinal axis of said first beam and energizeable for motion with respect to the fixed reference of said first beam; anda second micromechanical beam having a moveable first end connected to the middle region of said first beam, a middle region, a second end connected to a fixed reference and a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said first beam,wherein energization of said actuator induces a first axial force upon the longitudinal axis of said first beam buckling the middle region of said first beam to a first magnitude and in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of said first beam, said buckling of the middle region of said first beam inducing a second axial force upon the longitudinal axis of said second beam buckling the middle region of said second beam to a second magnitude which is greater than said first magnitude and in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of said second beam, thereby generating amplified micromotion.