Fluid pressure activated electrical contact devices and methods

摘要

A fluid pressure actuated device for establishing electrical contact includes a substrate defining a chamber, a flexible membrane having a first side facing a first direction away from the substrate and a second side facing into the chamber in a second direction opposite the first direction, and an electrically conducting contactor mounted on the first side of the flexible membrane. The flexible membrane extends and withdraws moving the electrically conducting contactor in the first direction and second direction respectively when fluid pressure is increased and decreased in the chamber. The flexible membrane includes at least two concentric frustum portions that narrow in opposite directions, including a central frustum portion and a second frustum portion that encircles the central frustum portion. Multiple chambers may be maintained in pressure equilibrium by at least one channel for the concurrent extension of multiple membranes and contactors.

主权项

1. A fluid pressure actuated device for establishing electrical contact, the device comprising:
a rigid substrate defining a chamber; a three dimensional flexible membrane having a selected three dimensional shape having a first side facing a first direction away from the chamber and a second side facing into the chamber in a second direction opposite the first direction; and an electrically conducting contactor and a three dimensional electrically conductive trace mounted to the first side of the three dimensional flexible membrane, the electrically conductive trace conforming to the selected three dimensional shape and extending to an electrically conducting post, wherein the three dimensional flexible membrane extends and withdraws moving the electrically conducting contactor and electrically conductive trace in the first direction and second direction, respectively, when fluid pressure is increased and decreased in the chamber.