MICROFABRICATED CANTILEVER SLIDER WITH ASYMMETRIC SPRING CONSTANT

摘要

Mechanical springs and sliders as used in microfabricated actuators to provide an asymmetric spring constant are described. The asymmetric spring constant provides a propensity for deflection towards one direction, and a propensity for separation (i.e. restoration) towards the other direction. The asymmetry and slider system provides a passive mechanical means to achieve faster switching times and higher switch restoring forces.