Patent ID: 7146067
Filing Date: 2006-12-05
Classification: G02B,G11C,H01H

Abstract:
1. A microsystem switch comprising: a support defining a recess; a flexible bridge mounted on the support and bridging the recess, the bridge being shaped so as to hold selectively a concave stable state, in which the bridge bulges into the recess, and a convex stable state in which the bridge bulges out of the recess; an actuator for effecting flexing of the bridge out of each of the stable states into the other of the stable states; and a switching element mounted on the bridge such that movement of the bridge between the stable states moves the switching element between an on position and an off position; wherein the bridge comprises a flexible membrane and wherein the actuator comprises a pair of bimorph actuation layers, each bimorph actuation layer extending over a respective portion of the bridge to form therewith a bimorph structure such that differential expansion in the bimorph structure on activation of the bimorph actuation layer exerts a force causing flexing of the bridge out of one stable state into the other stable state, the arrangement being such that activation of one of said layers causes flexing of the bridge out of the convex stable state into the concave stable state, and activation of the other layer causes flexing of the bridge out of the concave stable state into the convex stable state.