Patent ID: 7015584
Filing Date: 2006-03-21
Classification: F16F,H01F

Abstract:
1. A spring structure formed on a substrate made from a first material and having a first surface, the spring structure comprising: a post formed from a second material and extending from the first surface of the substrate, the post having an upper surface that is displaced from the first surface of the substrate by a predetermined distance; a spring metal finger having an anchor portion attached to the upper surface of the post such that the anchor portion is separated from the first surface of the substrate by the predetermined distance, the spring metal finger also having a free portion extending over the substrate, the free portion having opposing first and second surfaces; and a plated metal layer including a first layer formed on the first surface of the free portion of the spring metal finger and a second layer formed on the second surface of the free portion of the spring metal finger; wherein both the first layer and the second layer of the plated metal layer have a thickness that is both smaller than the predetermined distance, and greater than a thickness of the spring metal finger.