Snap-action bistable micromechanism actuated by nonlinear resonance

Snap-action bistable mechanisms have a practical use in applications when very few but well defined states of a micro-mechanism are required. Conventionally, the switching between bistable states is done statically, utilizing either electrostatic or thermal actuation. This paper explores a paradigm utilizing structural resonance phenomena to switch dynamically between states. We reports a detailed mathematical model governing the non-linear response of the buckled beams in their bistable equilibrium; analytical and FEA results describing non-linear dynamics of the mechanism near its equilibrium state and transient dynamics of switching between bistable states; and design, fabrication, and initial characterization results of a micro-machined double-beam test structure