发明授权
US06542653B2 Latching mechanism for optical switches 有权
光开关闭锁机构

  • 专利标题: Latching mechanism for optical switches
  • 专利标题(中): 光开关闭锁机构
  • 申请号: US09805306
    申请日: 2001-03-12
  • 公开(公告)号: US06542653B2
    公开(公告)日: 2003-04-01
  • 发明人: Shuyun WuBrent E. Burns
  • 申请人: Shuyun WuBrent E. Burns
  • 主分类号: G02B635
  • IPC分类号: G02B635
Latching mechanism for optical switches
摘要:
The present invention is directed to a micro-switch assembly involving a magnetic latching mechanism. In one aspect of the present invention, it involves a micromachined structure that comprises an outer frame, an inner frame pivotally connected to the outer frame and rotates when an external electromagnetic force is applied, and a mechanism for latching the inner frame at a given angle of inclination relative to the outer frame. One embodiment of the present invention involves the use of a magnetic material, such as Permalloy, and permanent magnets to achieve the latching result. A Permalloy piece is attached to the inner frame of the micro-switch assembly and a magnet layer is attached to the outer frame. The magnetic force attracting the Permalloy piece and the magnet layer allows the latching of the two frames to occur in the absence of the external applied electromagnetic force. The use of this magnetic latching mechanism allows a reduction in the use of electric current to maintain a movable frame in a micromachined structure or a micro-switch assembly in a fixed position. It provides greater mechanical and optical stability and less energy consumption. In other embodiments, additional Permalloy pieces can be added to the outer frame to increase the magnetic field, so as to further reduce the electric current necessary for latching and unlatching the frames.
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