Abstract:
A method and the product resulting from the method, for making a microminiature structure with two or more members measuring less than 1000 micrometers in any linear dimension and relatively movable to each other, comprising the steps of (a) providing a first sacrificial coating over a substrate having openings therethrough to expose a portion of the substrate, (b) depositing a first structural layer over the first sacrificial coating and the exposed portion of the substrate, with openings therethrough to expose a second portion of the substrate, (c) providing a second sacrificial coating over the second exposed portion of the substrate and said first structural layer, with openings through both the first and second sacrificial layers to expose a third portion of the substrate, (d) adding a second structural layer thereover and defining it, (e) possibly adding alternately other sacrificial coatings and other structural layers, and (f) etching the first and second and other sacrificial layers to remove them completely so that the two or more structural layers become movable relative to each other.
Abstract:
Low friction coating of the present invention includes a boron-doped zinc oxide thin film, wherein piezoelectric polarization in a vertical direction perpendicular to a film surface and a lateral direction horizontal to the film surface occurs and a magnitude of the piezoelectric polarization in the vertical direction is within 150 pm and a magnitude of the piezoelectric polarization in the lateral direction is within 100 pm at 90% or more of measurement points. This makes it possible to greatly decrease the friction in a nanometer order.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a silicon-based component with at least one reduced contact surface which, formed from a method combining at least one oblique side wall etching step with a “Bosch” etch of vertical side walls, improves, in particular, the tribology of components formed by micromachining a silicon-based wafer.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method of fabricating a composite micromechanical component, particularly for timepiece movements, including steps: a) providing a substrate including a horizontal top layer and a horizontal bottom layer made of electrically conductive, micromachinable material, and secured to each other by an electrically insulating, horizontal, intermediate layer; b) etching a pattern in the top layer through to the intermediate layer, thereby forming at least one cavity in the substrate; c) coating the top part of the substrate with an electrically insulating coating; d) directionally etching the coating and the intermediate layer to limit the presence thereof exclusively at each vertical wall; e) performing an electrodeposition by connecting the electrode to the conductive bottom layer of the substrate to form at least one metal part of the component; g) releasing the composite component from the substrate.
Abstract:
A method of fabricating a reinforced silicon micromechanical part includes: micro-machining the part, or a batch of parts in a silicon wafer; forming a silicon dioxide layer over the entire surface of the part, in one or plural operations, so as to obtain a thickness of silicon dioxide that is at least five times greater than the thickness of native silicon dioxide; and removing the silicon dioxide layer by etching.
Abstract:
A micro machine may be in or less than the micrometer domain. The micro machine may include a micro actuator and a micro shaft coupled to the micro actuator. The micro shaft is operable to be driven by the micro actuator. A tool is coupled to the micro shaft and is operable to perform work in response to at least motion of the micro shaft.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method (1) of manufacturing a silicon-metal composite micromechanical component (51) combining DRIE and LIGA processes. The invention also relates to a micromechanical component (51) including a layer wherein one part (53) is made of silicon and another part (41) of metal so as to form a composite micromechanical component (51). The invention concerns the field of timepiece movements.
Abstract:
The invention concerns the field of micromechanical parts, in particular, for timepiece movements. The invention relates to a method of fabricating a mould that includes the following steps: (a) providing a substrate that has a top layer and a bottom layer made of electrically conductive, micromachinable material, and secured to each other by an electrically insulating, intermediate layer; (b) etching at least one pattern in the top layer as far as the intermediate layer to form at least one cavity in the mould; (c) coating the top part of the substrate with an electrically insulating coating; and (d) directionally etching the coating and the intermediate layer to limit the presence thereof exclusively at each vertical wall formed in the top layer.
Abstract:
The process comprises the following steps: a) a first element (3) or a plurality of said first elements (3) is/are machined in a first silicon wafer (1) keeping said elements (3) joined together via material bridges (5); b) step a) is repeated with a second silicon wafer (2) in order to machine a second element (4), differing in shape from that of the first element (3), or a plurality of said second elements (4); c) the first and second elements (3, 4) or the first and second wafers (1, 2) are applied, face to face, with the aid of positioning means (6, 7); d) the assembly formed in step c) undergoes oxidation; and e) the parts (10) are separated form the wafers (1, 2). Micromechanical timepiece parts obtained according to the process.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method (1) of manufacturing a silicon-metal composite micromechanical component (51) combining DRIE and LIGA processes.The invention also relates to a micromechanical component (51) including a layer wherein one part (53) is made of silicon and another part (41) of metal so as to form a composite micromechanical component (51).The invention concerns the field of timepiece movements.