Accelerometer
US6631643B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 3, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 14, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 3, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01P2015/0814
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The accelerometer is linear having a substantially planar plate-like proof mass (9) mounted by four or more flexible mounting legs (8) each co-planar with the proof mass (9) to a substantially planar plate-like support (10) fixedly mounted relative to the proof mass (9) and co-planar therewith. In this way the proof mass (9) is mounted for linear movement in a sensing direction in the plane containing the proof mass (9), mounting legs (8) and support (10) to sense acceleration change applied to the accelerometer. At least two spaced apart substantially planar capacitor plates (11) each co-planar with the proof mass, mounting legs and support, are provided for sensing linear movement of the proof mass (9) in the sensing direction C. The proof mass (9), mounting legs (8), support (10) and capacitor blades (11) are formed from a single sheet of silicon and the mounting legs (8) extend substantially perpendicularly to the sensing direction C. Restoring means are provided for returning the proof mass (9) in the sensing direction C towards a null position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.