Microelectromechanical acceleration-sensing apparatus
US7148436B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 14, 2003 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2001/0047
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An acceleration-sensing apparatus is disclosed which includes a moveable shuttle (i.e. a suspended mass) and a latch for capturing and holding the shuttle when an acceleration event is sensed above a predetermined threshold level. The acceleration-sensing apparatus provides a switch closure upon sensing the acceleration event and remains latched in place thereafter. Examples of the acceleration-sensing apparatus are provided which are responsive to an acceleration component in a single direction (i.e. a single-sided device) or to two oppositely-directed acceleration components (i.e. a dual-sided device). A two-stage acceleration-sensing apparatus is also disclosed which can sense two acceleration events separated in time. The acceleration-sensing apparatus of the present invention has applications, for example, in an automotive airbag deployment system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.