Magnetic accelerometer
US6087951A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 11, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 5, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD06F2103/26
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A magnetic accelerometer detects the sharp lateral rocking movements of an unbalanced spinning tub of a washing machine. The accelerometer has a fixed and a movable magnet that are disposed at a rest position in spaced, magnetic attraction to each other. The movable magnet breaks away from the stationary magnet in response to vibration forces of a predetermined magnitude and frequency. When the magnet breaks away, it presses against an actuator button of a miniature switch and therefore signals an alarm condition. When the vibration forces are reduced below the trigger level, the movable magnet is pulled back to its rest position by magnetic attraction with the stationary magnet. The magnetic attraction of the stationary and movable magnets can be adjusted and the break away point can be set by applying an external magnetic field to the magnets.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.