Acceleration switch
US5828138A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 1996 |
| Grant date | Oct 27, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2001/0063
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An acceleration sensitive switch (10) equipped with an inertial mass member ("IMM") (12) that is deflectable from a holding position to an actuated position in response to a predetermined acceleration force. A voltage controlled hold plate (18) generates an electrostatic force that opposes the acceleration forces and holds the IMM (12) in a holding position until overcome by the predetermined acceleration force. The predetermined acceleration force necessary to trigger the switch may conveniently be adjusted by adjusting the voltage applied to the hold plate (18). The switch includes a self-test plate (34) that tests proper functioning of the switch. Other features include the interchangeability of the self-test plate and the hold plate. The switch is particularly useful as a safing switch in a system for controlling an air bag or other vehicle occupant restraint system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.