Integrated Microminiature Relay
AssigneesCoto Technology, Inc., HT MicroAnalytical, Inc.
InventorTodd Richard Christenson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A micro-relay that overcomes some of the limitations and drawbacks of the prior art is disclosed. The micro-relay comprising: (1) a first substrate comprising one or more monolithically integrated planar coils for generating a magnetic field; and (2) a second substrate comprising a magnetically actuated switch having a moving contact that selectively moves in a plane parallel to its substrate. The first and second substrate are aligned and bonded to collectively provide a closed magnetic circuit that efficiently channels the generated magnetic field through the switch.
Claims21
An apparatus comprising:
- a first substrate comprising a first coil that is operative for generating a magnetic field, wherein the coil is substantially planar and lies in a first plane, and wherein the first coil and the first substrate are monolithically integrated;
- and
- a second substrate comprising an electrical switch that comprises a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, wherein the first electrical contact is moved by the magnetic field, and wherein the electrical switch and the second substrate are monolithically integrated, and further wherein the first electrical contact moves selectively along a direction that lies in a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane.
7-11. (canceled)
An apparatus comprising:
- (1) a first substrate that defines a first plane, wherein the first substrate comprises a plurality of coils for collectively generating a magnetic field, and wherein each of the coils is substantially planar and parallel to the first plane, and further wherein the first substrate and the plurality of coils are monolithically integrated, and
- (2) a second substrate comprising an electrical switch that is operative for actuating in response to the generation of the magnetic field, the electrical switch including a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, wherein the first electrical contact is dimensioned and arranged to move selectively along a direction that lies in a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane, and further wherein the second substrate, the first electrical contact, and second electrical contact are monolithically integrated.
A method comprising:
- providing a first substrate comprising a first coil for generating a magnetic field, wherein the first coil is substantially planar and lies in a first plane;
- providing a second substrate comprising an electrical switch that is a magnetically actuated switch, wherein the electrical switch comprises a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, and wherein the first electrical contact is selectively movable along a direction that lies in a second plane;
- and
- arranging the first substrate and second substrate in a first arrangement wherein the second plane is substantially parallel to the first plane;
- and
- enabling the coupling of the magnetic field and the electrical switch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.