Self-assemblying micro-mechanical device

A chip comprising:

• a substrate having a surface;
• a beam having a first end movable in an arc away from the surface of the substrate, wherein a first engagement member having a first angled edge depends from the first end of the beam, and further wherein the beam is movable between first and second positions;
• and
• a microstructure rotatably attached to the surface of the substrate and having a second engagement member having a second angled edge;
• and
• an actuator operable to apply a force to the beam that causes the first end of the beam to move;
• wherein, in the first position, the microstructure and the movable beam are disposed in substantially superposed and parallel relation to one another and the first surface, and further wherein at least a portion of the first angled edge underlies the second angled edge so that as the first end of the movable beam moves away from the surface of the substrate upon actuation, the first angled edge and the second angled edge slidingly engage one another;
• and wherein,
• in the second position, the first end of the beam has moved away from the surface of the substrate a sufficient amount such that, in conjunction with the sliding engagement of the first and second angled edges, the microstructure is rotated substantially more than 45 degrees away from the surface of the substrate.