Seesaw Capacitive Structure as an Electrostatically Actuated Nonlinear Impact Resonator

In this paper, we present a new design of electrostatically actuated nonlinear impact resonator with a capacitive seesaw structure to solve the problem of short circuit, stiction and chaotic motion. The device is driven by electrostatic force on the capacitors, which utilizes nonlinear behavior and creates a pull-in effect. The seesaw structure can be set into oscillation with only a DC power source and a resistor, which is proved by a prototype device. No stiction occurred in over 10 h of experimental time, thus demonstrating the feasibility of solving the breakdown and stiction problem. A static mathematical model was established, solved, and verified by the experiment results, and a dynamic model with floating charge was analyzed. The analysis reveals the working principle of the proposed seesaw capacitive structure as an electrostatically actuated nonlinear impact resonator, and indicates that the working voltage can be decreased to less than 25 V if the oscillator dimensions are decreased to micrometers. The seesaw structure has considerable potential application for autonomous sensors.