Abstract:
MEMS (Microelectromechanical System) structures are provided that are designed to rotate in response to thermal actuation or the like. In one embodiment, the MEMS rotary structure includes a hub having one or more radial spoke members that impose a rotational force upon the hub in response to applied changes in temperature. The MEMS rotary structure can also include a ring at least partially encircling the hub and connected to the hub by means of one or more hub spoke members. Controllable clockwise, counterclockwise, or both clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the hub or ring are provided. The MEMS rotary structures can also include thermal arched beam actuators that are operably connected to the spoke member. As the temperature changes, the thermal arched beam actuators move the spoke members in order to rotate the MEMS structure. Various applications are provided for these rotating MEMS structures, including but not limited to rotary actuators, rotary switches and relays, variable capacitors, variable resistors, shutters, and valves.
Abstract:
A rotary sensor assembly comprises an indicator member adapted to rotate and having first and second axial positions, input means adapted to be actuated by movement of the indicator member, and a processor adapted to receive input from the input means. The indicator member comprises a plurality of actuator structures, and the input means comprises one or more switches adapted to be actuated by an actuator structure. Zero or more switches is/are actuated when the indicator member is moved from the first to the second axial position, this corresponding to a first switch pattern, and zero or more switches is/are actuated when the indicator member is moved from the second to the second axial position, this corresponding to a second switch pattern. Based on input from one or more switches corresponding to the first and second switch patterns, the processor is adapted to determine rotational movement of the indicator member.
Abstract:
Drehsteller (1), insbesondere für ein Kraftfahrzeug, mit einem um eine Achse 3) drehbaren Betätigungselement (2) und einem die Position des Betätigungselements in Umfangsrichtung erfassenden Positionssensor (8), wobei der Drehsteller so ausgebildet ist, dass die Drehbewegung des Betätigungselements nach einer manuellen Betätigung im losgelassenen Zustand eine bestimmte Strecke fortgesetzt und langsam verzögert wird.
Abstract:
A switching system for switching between phases in a multi-phase power distribution system includes a switch for selectively connecting a lateral line to feeder conductors of different phases in a multi-phase power distribution system. Feeder terminals of the switch are configured to connect to feeder conductors of the multi-phase power distribution system. At least one output terminal of the switch is configured to connect to the lateral line. The feeder terminals are spaced about the body of the switch. A shaft and a rotatable contact member extending radially from the shaft are configured for rotating within the switch body to selectively connect the at least one output terminal to any one or more of the feeder terminals. At least one controller operates the switch to selectively change connection of the lateral line between the feeder conductors.
Abstract:
Die Erfindungsaufgabe, ein zur Kombination mit digitalen Schaltungen geeignetes, auf der Basis eines Folienschalters arbeitendes Stellelement zur Bedienung eines elektronisch gesteuerten elektrischen Gerätes zu entwickeln, wurde dadurch gelöst, dass ein betätigbarer Griff (14, 15, 16, 17) in einer Öffnung einer Frontplatte (11) beweglich angeordnet ist, der an der Unterseite elastische Kontaktfedern (19) aufweist, sowie ein aus einer Basisschicht, aus einer aus einem verformbaren Material bestehenden Oberschicht und aus einer elastischen Abstandsschicht bestehendes Folienschaltelement (13) vorgesehen ist, wobei die Basisschicht und die Oberschicht an den einander zugewandten Flächen mit an definierten Kreuzungspunkten Kontaktpunkte aufweisenden Leiterbahnen versehen sind, und ein ständig in schneller Abfolge die elektrischen Verbindungen aller Kontaktpunkte abtastender, jederzeit auch im Standby-Betrieb wirksamer integrierter Schaltkreis sowie ein zur Informationsbereithaltung über die jeweilige Schaltposition des Griffs eingesetzter elektronischer, nichtflüchtiger Speicher vorgesehen ist.
Abstract:
A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switch assembly (10) and a method of forming the MEMBS switch assembly (10) is provided that includes a switching member (12) having a first portion (34) that is at least partially formed with a first material having a first dielectric constant and a second portion (36) that is at least partially formed with a second material having a second dielectric constant. Furthermore, the switching member (12) further includes a first lead (14) spaced apart from a second lead (16) for contacting the switching member (12). In operation, the switching member (12) is configured for movement such that the first portion (34) and second portion (36) of the switching member (12) can provide variable electrical connections between the first lead (14) and second lead (16).