Micro Normally-Closed Reed Switch via Transient Base Anchoring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing MEMS technology primarily produces normally-open reed switches, making it difficult to manufacture normally-closed structures, which are needed for various MEMS-based applications.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a flexible arm, a transient base, and a fixed contact, where the flexible arm's first end is anchored to the transient base to maintain an electrically conducting state, utilizing semiconductor processes to create a micro normally-closed structure through steps like filling liquid metal, wiring, and applying UV-gel to solidify the position, allowing for a normally-closed state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If MEMS processes are used to manufacture reed switches, then miniaturization and low power consumption are achieved, but normally-closed structures cannot be formed due to process limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereed switch sizeVSAvoidnormally-closed structure fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by forming a transient base structure before final assembly that enables subsequent anchoring of the flexible arm in a closed position. The transient base is designed with specific geometric features that allow it to be temporarily positioned to facilitate the normally-closed configuration, which would be difficult to achieve if attempted after complete assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The transient base acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the flexible arm and the fixed contact. It provides a temporary positioning mechanism during manufacturing that enables the flexible arm to be anchored in the closed position, and then it is removed or transformed into part of the final structure, solving the contradiction between miniaturization and manufacturability of normally-closed structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If a transient base is introduced to enable normally-closed structure, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenormally-closed structure fabricationVSAvoidstructure components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the transient base with either the flexible arm or the fixed contact in the final structure, eliminating the need for a separate transient base component. This combining approach reduces the total number of discrete parts while maintaining the manufacturing flexibility needed to achieve normally-closed configuration, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If flexible arm is anchored to maintain electrically conducting state, then normally-closed functionality is achieved, but switching mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrically conducting stateVSAvoidswitching mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing different structural characteristics at different locations of the flexible arm. The anchoring portion is designed with specific properties to maintain the closed position reliably, while other portions of the flexible arm maintain flexibility for switching. This localized differentiation achieves reliable electrical conducting state without requiring the entire switching mechanism to be complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables the production of micro normally-closed reed switches that can be easily manufactured using MEMS processes, providing a reliable and efficient solution for applications requiring a normally-closed state, with controlled switching states and low material costs.

Implementation Method 1

the first end is anchored to the position of the transient base to remain the electrically conducting state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnchoring:

Implementation Method 2

filling liquid metal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid metal filling:

Implementation Method 3

applying UV-gel to solidify the position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV-gel solidification: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS10077185B2Micro normally-closed structure and method for manufacturing the same

Publication Date: 2018.09.18 NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A method for manufacturing a micro normally-closed structure. The method includes steps of providing a flexible arm, and a stationary base and a fixed contact separated from the flexible arm, wherein the flexible arm is free to move and includes a first end configured at one terminal and a movable contact configured at another terminal, the transient base is configured at where corresponds to the first end, and the fixed contact is configured at where corresponds to the movable contact; forming a temporary electrical connection between the first end and the stationary base; forming a temporary electrical conduction between the movable contact and the fixed contact; maintaining the temporary electrical connection and the temporary electrical conduction; and securing the first end to the stationary base permanently which causes the temporary electrical connection turn into a permanent electrical connection and the temporary electrical conduction turn into the micro normally-closed structure.