Importance

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Abstract

There is described a switching device comprising a mobile element (2) that is able to at least move back and forth along a defined trajectory between a zero position (O) and at least one predetermined switching position (A, B), an elastic member (3, 30, 32) connecting the mobile element to a base (4) and at least one stationary actuating electrode (5, 6) located in the vicinity of the predetermined switching position for producing electrostatic forces to cause the mobile element to move to and/or away from the predetermined switching position. The stationary actuating electrode is disposed to act on at least one edge (20a) of the mobile element which is substantially parallel to the mobile element's trajectory. The geometry of the mobile element, elastic member and actuating electrode is such that the mobile element cannot come into contact with the actuating electrode and that the switching position is defined by an equilibrium point (E) between lateral electrostatic forces produced on the mobile element by the stationary actuating electrode and mechanical springs forces produced by the elastic member.

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First Claim