Patent ID: 7301689

Claim:
A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) mirror device, comprising: a mirror; a plurality of spring elements coupled to one half of the mirror; a beam structure having (1) a proximal end coupled by the plurality of spring elements to said one half of the mirror and (2) a distal end extending away from said one half of the mirror; a spring coupled to the beam structure; a stationary pad coupled by the spring to the beam structure, wherein the plurality of spring elements and the spring have rotational axes aligned to a rotational axis of the mirror; and wherein the plurality of spring elements is selected from the group consisting of: a first plurality of spring elements comprising: a straight section, wherein a first end of the straight section is coupled to said one half of the mirror; a plurality of spring sections, wherein first ends of the spring sections are coupled to a second end of the straight section, and second ends of the spring sections are coupled to the beam structure; wherein the spring sections are selected from the group consisting of straight-shaped springs, U-shaped springs, and serpentine-shaped springs; a second plurality of spring elements comprising: a first straight section, wherein a first end of the first straight section is coupled to said one half of the mirror; and a plurality of first springs, wherein first ends of the first springs are coupled to a second end of the first straight section, and second ends of the first springs are coupled to the beam structure; a second straight section, wherein a first end of the second straight section extends from the second end of the first straight section; a plurality of second springs, wherein first ends of the second springs are coupled to a second end of the second straight section, and second ends of the second springs are coupled to the beam structure; wherein the first springs and the second springs are selected from the group consisting of straight-shaped springs, U-shaped springs, and serpentine-shaped springs.