• 한국정밀공학회지
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.203-209
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• 2004

Compliant bi-stable mechanism allows two stable states within its operation range staying at one of the local minimum states of the potential energy. Energy storage characteristics of the bi-stable mechanism offer two distinct and repeatable stable states, which require no power input to maintain it at each stable state. This paper suggests an equivalent model of the chevron-type bi-stable microactuator using the equivalent spring stiffness in the rectilinear and the rotational directions. From this model the range of spring stiffness where the bi-stable mechanism can be operated is analyzed and compared with the results of the FEA (Finite Element Analysis) using ANSYS for the buckling analysis, both of which show a good agreement. Based on the analysis, a newly designed chevron-type bi-stable MEMS actuator using hinges is suggested for the latch-up operation. It is found that the experimental response characteristics of around 36V for the bi-stable actuation for the 60$mu extrm{m}$ stroke correspond very well to the results of the equivalent model analysis after the change in cross-sectional area by the fabrication process is taken into account. Together with the resonance frequency experiment where 1760Hz is measured, it is shown that the chevron-type bi-stable MEMS actuator using hinges is applicable to the optical switch as an actuator.