Highly linear and large spring deflection characteristics of a Quasi-Concertina MEMS device

In this work a Quasi-Concertina (QC) spring capable of a high linear range, large deflections, high out-of-plane compliance, and low in-plane compliance for MEMS applications is presented. These features are essential for high accuracy out-of-plane measurements such as those required in self-sensing...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Grech, David (Author), Kiang, Kian S. (Author), Zekonyte, Jurgita (Author), Stolz, Martin (Author), Wood, Robert J.K (Author), Chong, Harold M.H (Author)
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: 2014-05-01.
Subjects:
Online Access:Get fulltext
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042 |a dc 
100 1 0 |a Grech, David  |e author 
700 1 0 |a Kiang, Kian S.  |e author 
700 1 0 |a Zekonyte, Jurgita  |e author 
700 1 0 |a Stolz, Martin  |e author 
700 1 0 |a Wood, Robert J.K.  |e author 
700 1 0 |a Chong, Harold M.H.  |e author 
245 0 0 |a Highly linear and large spring deflection characteristics of a Quasi-Concertina MEMS device 
260 |c 2014-05-01. 
856 |z Get fulltext  |u https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/366353/1/QC-Spring_2014.pdf 
520 |a In this work a Quasi-Concertina (QC) spring capable of a high linear range, large deflections, high out-of-plane compliance, and low in-plane compliance for MEMS applications is presented. These features are essential for high accuracy out-of-plane measurements such as those required in self-sensing nanoindentation atomic force microscopy (AFM) probes or molecular mass sensors. The spring constant and first mode resonant frequency of the spring was determined analytically and verified numerically. The QC springs were microfabricated using a purposely developed stiction free process. Force-displacement tests on the QC springs have shown them to be in good agreement with the analytical and finite element analysis performed. The measurement results show that the QC springs fabricated have an out-of-plane spring constant of 5.5 N/m, 0.129 N/m, and 0.156 N/m, remain 99% linear to a deflection of 100 ?m, 1080 ?m, and 931 ?m respectively, and can have a total deflection before fracture of as much as 8000 ?m. 
655 7 |a Article