Patent ID: 7960804
Filing Date: 2011-06-14
Classification: B81B,B81C,H01H

Abstract:
1. An in-fabrication, zip-mode actuated, mono wafer self-latching MEMS electrical switch comprising the combination of: an electrically insulating substrate Member having electrically isolated contact and contact adjacent metal layer portions received thereon and including through-substrate via electrical connections including a land formed from a backside metal layer displaced from said electrically isolated contact portion by said electrically insulating substrate member; a first film layer of electrical charge retention-capable dielectric material received over said contact portion of said metal layer; a first sacrificial organic material film layer member received over said film layer of electrical charge retention-capable dielectric material and said contact portion of said metal layer; an elongated, flexible, metallic, thin, low spring constant, cantilevered, switch moving arm member disposed on said first sacrificial organic material film layer member and extending onto a selected portion of said insulating substrate member; said switch moving arm member having a spring constant related, developed mechanical deflection force determining, characteristic smaller than switch moving arm member adhesive latching forces generated during energized operation of said MEMS switch; said switch moving arm member being received in fixed connection with said substrate member selected portion at one end thereof and having an opposed end extending over said electrically isolated contact portion and said overlying films thereon at an opposed end thereof; a second sacrificial organic material film layer member received over said switch moving arm member, said contact portion of said metal layer and said first sacrificial organic material film layer member; a thin second layer of electrical charge retention capable dielectric material received over said second sacrificial organic material film layer member said contact portion of said metal layer, said first sacrificial organic material film layer member, said switch movable arm member and said first film layer of electrical charge retention-capable dielectric material; an electrically conductive enclosure member received on said electrical insulating substrate member surrounding said film layer of sacrificial organic material, said electrical contact member, and said elongated flexible thin film cantilever metallic switch armature member; a bath of liquid reagent material surrounding and within said electrically conductive enclosure member and in reactive removing engagement with said first and second sacrificial organic material film layer members; whereby said switch moving arm member is disposable, upon completion of said reactive removing engagement, in latched increased capacitance coupled relationship with an elected one of said electrically isolated contact portion and a portion of said electrically conductive enclosure member in response to transient force generated by electrical potential selectively applied to said MEMS switch; and a single wafer self-latching electrostatic zip-mode actuated single pole double throw MEMS electrical switch characteristic is realized.