Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hinge used with a dual axis micromirror such as an MEMS array and a parallel plate electrostatic operation, that allows for a compliant torsional rotation while simultaneously restricting net vertical and horizontal displacement. SOLUTION: A circular mirror (12) is connected to a gimbal (44) at opposing, but at locations (36) and (37) deviated from the center axis with compound longitudinal hinges (40) and (42). COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
In a gimbaled micromachined micromirror array optimized for parallel-plate electrostatic operation, longitudinal-type gimbal hinge elements are provided in which a plurality of torsional longitudinal hinge elements are arranged in an array parallel to the axis of rotation and which are linked together by rigid lateral brace sections. In primary embodiment the hinge elements are arranged in a double gimbal configuration. Specific embodiments of the hinge elements are simple longitudinal, compound longitudinal, stacked simple longitudinal, and stacked compound longitudinal. The longitudinal hinges may be used with various types of mirrors including circular or rectilinear, recessed or nonrecessed, where the hinges are connected in either a symmetric or asymmetric configuration relative to one another, as hereinafter illustrated by way of a subset of examples. A preferred embodiment of a mirror structure suitable for an array structure according to the invention is a nonstacked compound longitudinal hinge symmetrically connected to a circular nonrecessed electrostatically-actuatable parallel plate mirror within a substantially circular ring hinged in substantially the same way to form a double gimbaled structure.
Abstract:
In a gimbaled micromachined micromirror array optimized for parallel-plate electrostatic operation, longitudinal-type gimbal hinge elements are provided in which a plurality of torsional longitudinal hinge elements are arranged in an array parallel to the axis of rotation and which are linked together by rigid lateral brace sections. In primary embodiment the hinge elements are arranged in a double gimbal configuration. Specific embodiments of the hinge elements are simple longitudinal, compound longitudinal, stacked simple longitudinal, and stacked compound longitudinal. The longitudinal hinges may be used with various types of mirrors including circular or rectilinear, recessed or nonrecessed, where the hinges are connected in either a symmetric or asymmetric configuration relative to one another, as hereinafter illustrated by way of a subset of examples. A preferred embodiment of a mirror structure suitable for an array structure according to the invention is a nonstacked compound longitudinal hinge symmetrically connected to a circular nonrecessed electrostatically-actuatable parallel plate mirror within a substantially circular ring hinged in substantially the same way to form a double gimbaled structure.
Abstract:
A circular mirror (12) is connected to the gimble (44) at opposing, but offs et from center axis locations (36) and (37) and by compound longitudinal hinges (40) and (42).
Abstract:
A circular mirror (12) is connected to the gimble (44) at opposing, but offs et from center axis locations (36) and (37) and by compound longitudinal hinges (40) and (42).
Abstract:
A circular mirror (12) is connected to the gimble (44) at opposing, but offset from center axis locations (36) and (37) and by compound longitudinal hinges (40) and (42).