Gas damped acceleration switch
US4536629A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 3, 1983 |
| Grant date | Aug 20, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 3, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S188/01
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A gas damped acceleration switch for use as a vehicle crash-sensing device. A mass is supported for movement along an axis against a spring, the mass actuating a switch only after moving a predetermined distance against the spring by an accelerating force. A gas damping system makes the device sensitive to the duration as well as the magnitude of the velocity change. Damping is provided by a plate movable with the mass having surfaces that are perpendicular to the axis of motion. The plate is normally pressed against a mating surface to exclude air. A seal is formed between the mating surfaces around the periphery so that a partial vacuum is formed as the mass moves the surfaces apart. When the surfaces move apart a predetermined distance, the seal is broken and the pressure equalizes. However, the moving plate still produces viscous damping as a function of velocity as it continues to be moved through the air by acceleration of the mass against the spring.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.