Patent ID: 6388299
Filing Date: 2002-05-14
Classification: G01L,H01L

Abstract:
A sensor assembly for sensing an externally generated force, comprising:a substrate having an upper surface; electrode means positioned above at least a portion of the upper surface of the substrate, the electrode means being mounted such that a movable portion of the electrode means moves toward or away from the substrate when the sensor assembly is subjected to the externally generated force; the movable portion of the electrode means having a support portion and an electrode portion, wherein the support portion and the electrode portion are non-planar, the support portion at least partially deforming as the movable portion of the electrode means moves toward or away from the substrate, and the electrode portion remaining substantially undeformed as the movable portion of the electrode means moves toward or away from the substrate, the electrode portion having a lower surface that faces the upper surface of the substrate, the lower surface of the electrode portion and the upper surface of the substrate remaining substantially parallel as the movable portion of the electrode means moves toward or away from the substrate in response to the externally generated force; at least one terminal electrically connected to the substrate; and at least one terminal electrically connected to the electrode means.