Abstract:
A self-healing liquid contact switch (10) and methods for producing such devices are disclosed. An illustrative self-healing liquid contact switch can include an upper actuating surface (30) and a lower actuating surface (32) each having a number of liquid contact regions (40) thereon configured to wet with a liquid metal. The upper and lower actuating surfaces (30, 32) can be brought together electrostatically by an upper and lower actuating electrode (12, 14). During operation, the liquid metal can be configured to automatically rearrange during each actuating cycle to permit the switch to self-heal.
Abstract:
Devices for switching or tuning of an electrical circuit comprise a liquid metal (LM) drop confined inside a sealed cavity. The cavity is formed at least partially inside a microelectronics layered structure which includes metal, dielectric and semiconductor layers. The microelectronics layered structure may be prepared using a VLSI/CMOS technology. Some of the VLSI/CMOS metal layers or metalized vias may be used for conduction lines contacted by the LM drop or as RF transmission lines opened or closed by the LM drop.
Abstract:
Liquid metal current switch (1) for current limiting and/or circuit breaking, comprising a liquid metal (12, 22) and at least one channel (11a, 11b; 21a) for the liquid metal (12, 22), wherein the liquid metal (12, 22) is moveable between a first position in the channel (11a, 11b; 21a) and a second position in the channel (11a, 11b; 21a), the first position and second position defining a first switching state and a second switching state, respectively, of the liquid metal current switch (1), and wherein further in the first switching state, a first current path (40) and a second current path (42) are provided in parallel for a current through the current switch (1), with the first current path (40) leading at least partially through the liquid metal (12, 22) being in the first position, and in the second switching state, the first current path (40) is interrupted, and the second current path (42) is provided for the current through the current switch (1).
Abstract:
An electronic switch (300) comprises a droplet (310) of conductive liquid located in contact with a surface (312) having an alterable surface configuration, an input contact (324) located on the alterable surface and configured such that the input contact (324) is in constant electrical contact with the droplet (310), and a micro-electronic mechanical system (MEMS) (304) for altering the surface configuration to change the contact angle of the droplet (310) with respect to the surface (312).
Abstract:
The invention relates to a current limiting method, a current limiting device (1), and a switchgear comprising such a device (1). According to the invention, liquid metal (3) is directed along a resistor element (5) for the current limiting path (31) so as to obtain arc-free current limitation for mains-related fault currents (i(t)). Examples of embodiments include, among other things: an electrical resistance (Rx) that increases in a non-linear manner in the direction of movement (x) of the liquid metal (3) for a smooth current limiting characteristic; a resistor element (5) in the form of a dielectric matrix (5) comprising channels (3a) for the liquid metal (3), and a combined current limiter-circuit breaker (1). Advantages include, among other things: arc-free, reversible current limitation and optional power shutdown; suitable also for high voltages and currents; fast reaction times; reduced wear; and maintenance-friendly.
Abstract:
A switch (400) comprises a first switch element (300) configured to actuate by electrowetting, the first switch element (300) comprising at least two radio frequency contacts (318, 322) and at least two control electrodes (306, 308). The switch (400) also comprises at least two additional switch elements (410, 420) configured to make and break an electrical connection between the at least two control electrodes (306, 308) of the first switch element (300).
Abstract:
Microdevices based on surface tension and wettability are useful as sensors, detectors, actuators, pumps, among other applications. As sensors and detectors they can respond to numerous stimuli such as pressure, temperature, gravity, rotation, acceleration, oscillation, chemical environments, magnetic fields, electric fields, radiation, and particle beams with a great choice of output options. Because of their design, they can be used in a broad range of temperatures and environments. Additionally, unlike other microsensors and detectors, these devices can be exposed to forces and pressures orders of magnitudes greater than their design limit and still return to their original accuracy and precision. These microdevices are also useful as actuators, pumps, valves and shutters. It is possible by joining these devices together to form complex devices that are able to control macroscopic flows for example. They are also able to perform complex electrical switching operations.