Magnetostrictive MEMS Switch Enhancing Contact Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reed switches in Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) lack sufficient magnetic material to generate a large enough magnetic field for low contact resistance, resulting in insufficient contact force.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a magnetostrictive element into the switch assembly, which changes shape under a magnetic field to bias contact elements and form open or closed circuits, thereby enhancing contact force and reducing contact resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional reed switches are used in MEMS with reduced dimensions, then the switch can be fabricated using MEMS processes, but the contact force becomes insufficient to achieve low contact resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional magnetic attraction mechanism with a magnetostrictive mechanism. Instead of relying on magnetic fields to attract reed contacts together, the invention uses magnetostrictive materials that change their physical dimensions (expand or contract) in response to magnetic fields, thereby mechanically biasing the contacts to enhance contact force and reduce contact resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the magnetostrictive material (its dimensions) in response to magnetic field application. When a magnetic field is applied, the magnetostrictive material undergoes dimensional changes (expansion or contraction), which translates to mechanical motion that biases the contacts together, increasing contact force without requiring additional magnetic material.
2Volume of moving object
If the dimensions of reed switches are reduced for MEMS fabrication, then integration is achieved, but the magnetic field strength becomes insufficient to generate adequate contact force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional magnetic attraction mechanism with a magnetostrictive mechanism. Instead of relying on magnetic fields to attract reed contacts together, the invention uses magnetostrictive materials that change their physical dimensions (expand or contract) in response to magnetic fields, thereby mechanically biasing the contacts to enhance contact force and reduce contact resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining magnetostrictive materials with conventional reed switch components. The magnetostrictive material is integrated into the reed switch structure, creating a composite element that combines the electrical contact function with the magnetostrictive actuation function, enabling enhanced contact force in miniaturized MEMS devices.
3Force
If more magnetic material is added to increase magnetic field strength, then contact force improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional magnetic attraction mechanism with a magnetostrictive mechanism. Instead of relying on magnetic fields to attract reed contacts together, the invention uses magnetostrictive materials that change their physical dimensions (expand or contract) in response to magnetic fields, thereby mechanically biasing the contacts to enhance contact force and reduce contact resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the magnetostrictive material (its dimensions) in response to magnetic field application. When a magnetic field is applied, the magnetostrictive material undergoes dimensional changes (expansion or contraction), which translates to mechanical motion that biases the contacts together, increasing contact force without requiring additional magnetic material.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The magnetostrictive activated switch achieves higher contact forces than conventional magnetic attraction, improving switch activation and reducing costs in MEMS manufacturing by using a simpler design with fewer components.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetostrictive element coupled to at least one of the first contact element and the second contact element, the magnetostrictive element operable to bias the first contact element and the second contact element relative to one another
Data Source
AI summary
Switch assemblies and a switching method are disclosed. In some embodiments, a switch assembly may include a first contact element, and a second contact element operable with the first contact element. The first and second contact elements form an open circuit in a first configuration and form a closed circuit in a second configuration. At least one of the first contact element and the second contact element includes a magnetostrictive material. During operation, a magnetic field from a magnet causes the magnetostrictive material to deform or change shape/dimensions, thus causing the first and second contact elements to open or close. In some embodiments, the switch assembly is a micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) switch.