Measuring and testing – Speed – velocity – or acceleration – Structural installation or mounting means
Patent
1999-06-14
2000-09-05
Chapman, John E.
Measuring and testing
Speed, velocity, or acceleration
Structural installation or mounting means
7351433, G01P 1508
Patent
active
061125946
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an acceleration measurement device consisting of a housing, an acceleration sensor element and a carrier that defines a location plane for the acceleration sensor element, with the device having connecting legs for creating at least one mounting plane for the housing.
Acceleration sensors are frequently used for passenger protection systems in motor vehicles and are designed to detect situations that are dangerous to the passengers and to activate retaining systems for the protection of the passengers.
The main sensitivity axis for known acceleration sensors is arranged perpendicular to or parallel to the mounting plane.
Such a configuration for an acceleration sensor according to the state of the technology is described in the European Patent Application 0 675 363 A2, where a micro-mechanical acceleration sensor and a subsequently connected evaluation circuit are arranged inside a housing.
The disadvantage of this arrangement is that only acceleration forces extending parallel to the mounting plane of the acceleration sensor can be measured.
It is therefore the object of the invention to specify a device for measuring the acceleration, which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This object is solved by an acceleration measuring device, comprising a housing, an acceleration sensor element, and a carrier defining the location plane for the acceleration sensor element, said carrier having connecting legs for producing at least one mounting plane for the housing, wherein the location plane is arranged at an optional angle to the mounting plane.
Consequently, no effects of the sealing technology are present (e.g., soldering or welding). Owing to the production process selected (injection process), combining the sensor and electronic components in one housing, the sensor can be leveled easily. In addition, only production methods known from semiconductor technology are used. As a result of the dome used (glob top), the sensor element is effectively protected against environmental influences and mechanical stresses that occur. The spectrum for use is expanded considerably because of the angle that can be selected optionally, and the structural integration into the system is simplified considerably.
Further advantageous modifications of the invention are described. Preferably the location plane and the mounting plane be arranged at an angle of between 10.degree. and 15.degree. to each other. The angle between 10.degree. and 15.degree. is due to the sensor design. The locked-up stresses caused by the extrusion coating are consequently held at a minimum. It is only the combination of dome and suggested design for the sensor, which makes it possible to use the injection-molding technique.
The additional advantages of the invention are that with the device according to the invention, it is also possible to measure accelerations that do not extend either perpendicular to or parallel to the mounting plane of the arrangements. The device can furthermore be installed in two different installation positions, without requiring changes to the sensor design. This installation option in two planes permits an economic optimizing of the logistic and expands the use spectrum.
One exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained in further detail the drawing with the aid of Figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1a-1c are a view from above and two views from the side, respectively, of the acceleration measuring device according to the invention.
FIG. 2 is a section through the device according to FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 shows the carrier belonging to the device according to the invention.
FIG. 4a shows the device according to the invention, wherein the main sensitivity axis extends perpendicular to the mounting plane;
FIG. 4b shows the device according to the invention, wherein the main sensitivity axis extends parallel to the mounting plane.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The FIGS. 1a-1c shows an exemplary embodiment
REFERENCES:
patent: 5866818 (1999-02-01), Sumi et al.
Brinks Gerald
Tiederle Viktor
Chapman John E.
Kunitz Norman N.
TEMIC Telefunken microelectronic GmbH
LandOfFree
Acceleration measurement device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Acceleration measurement device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Acceleration measurement device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2200480