Patent ID: 6911891
Filing Date: 2005-06-28
Classification: B33Y,B81B,H01H

Abstract:
1. A bistable structure comprising: a deflection element including mechanically constrained end points and a compliant span between the end points that is substantially free to deflect between two stable positions when a force is applied to the span; wherein the deflection element span is provided, as-fabricated, curved in one of the two stable positions; wherein the as-fabricated curve of the deflection element span includes a curve maxima at a point along span length that is at least about ¼ of the span length from the end points of the span; wherein the deflection element span is characterized by a thickness that is modulated along the span; and wherein the deflection element span is configured to substantially prohibit development of a second bending mode that is characteristic for the span as the element deflects between the two stable positions.