Abstract:
Modules, systems, and methods for monitoring environmental conditions, such as physical, electromagnetic, thermal, and/or chemical parameters within an environment, over extended periods of time with the use of one or more electromechanical sensing devices (26,28) that include a sensing device (26,28) and electronic circuitry (16) for processing an output of the sensing device (26,28) and generating a output of the module (10). The sensing device (26,28) includes a microstructure (30,32), for example, a cantilevered beam (30,32), and at least one set of contacts (38,40,42) configured for contact-mode operation with the microstructure (30,32) in response to the microstructure (30,32) deflecting toward or away from the contacts (38,40,42) when exposed to the parameter of interest. The microstructure (30,32) has a stack of layers (44,46) of dissimilar materials, at least one of which has at least one property that changes as a result of curing of or absorption by the first material when exposed to the parameter.
Abstract:
Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a switch structure or the like such as a valve, motor, or optical switch, may be constructed based on a thermoresponsive polymer. At a first temperature the thermoresponsive polymer may be in a first volume state, and at a second temperate the thermoresponsive polymer may be in a second volume state. The change in volume of the thermoresponsive polymer may be operative to push or pull the mechanical structures of the switch, valve, motor, optical switch, and so on, to effectuate operation of the structures.
Abstract:
A MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) electrostatically operated high voltage switch or relay device is provided. This device can switch high voltages while using relatively low electrostatic operating voltages. The MEMS device comprises a microelectronic substrate, a substrate electrode, and one or more substrate contacts. The MEMS device also includes a moveable composite overlying the substrate, one or more composite contacts, and at least one insulator. In cross section, the moveable composite comprises an electrode layer and a biasing layer. In length, the moveable composite comprises a fixed portion attached to the underlying substrate, a medial portion, and a distal portion moveable with respect to the substrate electrode. The distal and/or medial portions of the moveable composite are biased in position when no electrostatic force is applied. Applying a voltage between the substrate electrode and moveable composite electrode creates an electrostatic force that attracts the moveable composite to the underlying microelectronic substrate. The substrate contact and composite contact are selectively interconnected in response to the application of electrostatic force. Once electrostatic force is removed, the moveable composite reassumes the biased position such that the substrate and composite contacts are disconnected. Various embodiments further define components of the device. Other embodiments further include a source of electrical energy, a diode, and a switching device connected to different components of the MEMS device. A method of using aforementioned electrostatic MEMS device is provided.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention include a physiological sensor system. According to an embodiment the sensor system may include a package substrate, a plurality of sensors formed on the substrate, a second electrical component, and an encryption bank formed along a data transmission path between the plurality of sensors and the second electrical component. In an embodiment the encryption bank may include a plurality of portions that each have one or more switches integrated into the package substrate. In an embodiment each sensor transmits data to the second electrical component along different portions of the encryption bank. In some embodiments, the switches may be piezoelectrically actuated. In other embodiments the switches may be actuated by thermal expansion. Additional embodiments may include tri- or bi-stable mechanical switches.
Abstract:
Thermal switch technology is disclosed. In one example, a thermally activated switch can include an electronic substrate base, and first and second electrical contacts coupled to the electronic substrate base. The first and second electrical contacts can be movable relative to one another due to thermal expansion or contraction of a material to facilitate contact or separation of the first and second electrical contacts.
Abstract:
A MEMS thermal switch is disclosed which couples a hot, expanding beam to a cool flexor beam using a slideably engaged tether, and bends the cool, flexor beam by the expansion of the hot beam. A rigidly engaged tether ties the distal ends of the hot, expanding beam and the cool, flexor beam together, whereas the slideably engaged tether allows the hot, expanding beam to elongate with respect to the cool, flexor beam, without loading the slideably engaged tether with a large shear force. As a result, the material of the tether can be made stiffer, and therefore transmit the bending force of the hot, expanding beam more efficiently to the cool, flexor beam.
Abstract:
The present invention is a thermally controlled switch with high thermal or electrical conductivity. Microsystems Technology manufacturing methods are fundamental for the switch that comprises a sealed cavity 213 formed within a stack of bonded wafers 201 , 202, wherein the upper wafer 202 comprises a membrane assembly 205 adapted to be arranged with a gap 21 1 to a receiving structure 210. A thermal actuator material 215, which preferably is a phase change material, e.g. paraffin, adapted to change volume with temperature, fills a portion of the cavity 213. A conductor material, providing a high conductivity transfer structure 216 between the lower wafer 201 and the rigid part 208 of the membrane assembly 205, fills another portion of the cavity 213. Upon a temperature change, the membrane assembly 205 is displaced and bridges the gap 21 1 , providing a high conductivity contact from the lower wafer 201 to the receiving structure 210.
Abstract:
A system includes a thin-film battery (50) and an activity-activated switch. The system is placed on a substrate (55) with an adhesive backing. In some embodiments, the substrate is flexible. Also formed on the substrate is an electrical circuit that includes electronics. The activity-activated switch places the thin-film battery in electrical communication with the circuit and electronics. The battery and the circuit are formed on the substrate and may be comprised of one or a plurality of deposited layers.
Abstract:
A micromechanical memory sensor includes a latch member assembly (20, 30) mechanically latching upon detection of a threshold value of a variable condition (ambient temperature, acceleration, pressure). The mechanical latching is detected by circuitry of a readout mechanism (21, 22). The sensor further includes a resetting mechanism such as a thermal resistor (24), proof mass (52, 101) or electrostatic combing drive (170, 175) for electrically unlatching the latch member assembly whereby the sensor is latched purely mechanically in its operative states and is electrically reset for repeat use.