Micro electromagnetically actuated latched switches

摘要

Micro-electromagnetically actuated latched miniature relay switches formed from laminate layers comprising a spring and magnet, electromagnetic coils, magnetic latching material, and transmission line with contacts. Preferably the miniature relay switches transmit up to about 50 W of DC or AC line power, and carry up to about 10 A of load current, with an overall volume of less than about 100 mm3. In addition to switching large power, the device preferably requires less than 3 V to actuate, and has a latching feature that retains the switch state after actuation without the need for external applied voltage or current.

主权项

1. A latching micro-electro-mechanical relay switch comprising:
a first laminate layer comprising a moveable component having a spring and a magnet, a second laminate layer with a coil for providing electromagnetic energy to actuate the moveable component, and a third laminate layer with a magnetic material to hold the magnet of the moveable component and latching it into an “on” state, wherein the magnet is driven to the latched “on” state when a pulsed current passes through the coil and driven to a delatched state when the pulsed current is reversed through the coil, wherein the first laminate layer, second laminate layer, and third laminate layer are separate and distinct layers, and wherein the first laminate layer is positioned in between the second laminate layer and the third laminate layer.