Design, modeling and implementation of a single digital input bistable mechanism
Ian G. Foulds · Summit (Simon Fraser University) · 2004
This work presents the first reported single digital input bistable MEMS mechanism.The bistable mechanism is an important building block for many MEMS.Applications of bistable mechanisms to systems such as optical switches, microrelays and motor transmissions, are discussed.Current literature contains examples of dual digital input and single analog input bistable mechanisms; however, no single digital input bistable mechanisms are reported.This work develops the hysteresis spring as an enabling mechanism to allow the creation of the first reported single digital input bistable mechanism.The functionality of the hysteresis spring single digital input bistable mechanism is described and an analytical model is developed.The analytical model is shown to agree, within an acceptable range, with the results of finite element modeling.However, the models are unable to verify the current work due to non-linearity in the operation of the springs in the fabricated devices.Further work to verify the models has been identified.Nevertheless, the proof of concept design has been fabricated and the prescribed functionality has been shown experimentally.