Patent ID: 6985058
Filing Date: 2006-01-10
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A switching device comprising: a capacitive switch; a magnetic field source operative to apply a magnetic field across the switch; and an electrical conductor providing there along a path of conduction of a current in opposite directions, the electrical conductor being juxtaposed with the capacitive switch and extending transversely to the magnetic field for triggering the capacitive switch between an on- and off-state in accordance with a direction of current flow along the electrical conductor, wherein the capacitive switch is an electrostatic switch, the switching device being a microelectromechanical Lorentz-force assisted switching device, wherein the electrostatic switch is configured to have a pull-down electrode continuously supported by a substrate and a bridge straddling the pull-down electrode and being operative to move towards and away from the pull-down electrode in accordance with the direction of current flow along the electrical conductor to selectively set the on- and off-state of the capacitive switch, wherein the bridge has a central body elevated above the pull-down electrode in the off-state of the capacitive switch and spaced apart pads coupled to the central body and supported on the substrate, and wherein the bridge further includes multiple hinges having a width narrower than a width of the central body and extending between the central body and the pads.