Electrical transmission or interconnection systems – Vehicle mounted systems – Automobile
Patent
1996-12-02
1998-10-27
Gaffin, Jeffrey A.
Electrical transmission or interconnection systems
Vehicle mounted systems
Automobile
200 6145R, 200 6145M, 180282, 701 45, 7351416, 7351436, 307121, H01H 3514, G01P 1500
Patent
active
058281380
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.
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IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 20, No. 12, May 1978, XS 002032162, "Bistable Micromechanical Storage Element in Silicon," cited in an European Search Report.
A copy of an European Search reported dated May 25, 1998.
Lammert Michael Dean
McIver George William
Gaffin Jeffrey A.
Ganjian Peter
TRW Inc.
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