Patent ID: 6040749
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
A micromechanical switch operating between a closed position and an open position, the micromechanical switch comprising:a first electrically and magnetically conductive layer forming a first closure path having a first primary opening for accepting a magnet therein and a first secondary opening providing an electrical opening between a first set of contacts of the switch, a second electrically and magnetically conductive layer forming a second closure path having a second primary opening for accepting a magnet therein and a second secondary opening providing an electrical opening between a second set of contacts of the switch, the first closure path conductively isolated from the second closure path;a magnet movably mounted with respect to the first closure path and the second closure path, the magnet movable between a magnet first position within the first primary opening and a magnet second position within the second primary opening;an actuator selectively moving the magnet between the magnet first position and the magnet second position; andan electrical contact element separate from the magnet and movably mounted with respect to the first closure path and the second closure path, the electrical contact element movable between an element first position where the contact element electrically shorts the first conductive layer across the first secondary opening and an element second position where the electrical contact element electrically shorts the second conductive layer across the second secondary opening;whereby the first and second closure paths for magnetic shunt paths for directing magnetic flux from the magnet through a selected primary opening to a respective secondary opening, the flux in the secondary opening thereby drawing the electrical contact to close the secondary opening.