Electrical transmission or interconnection systems – Vehicle mounted systems – Automobile
Patent
1998-10-23
2000-06-06
Paladini, Albert W.
Electrical transmission or interconnection systems
Vehicle mounted systems
Automobile
307121, 73488, 7351416, 180282, 200 6145R, H01H 3514
Patent
active
060722479
ABSTRACT:
A micro-miniature acceleration switch (e.g., 10) has a substrate (14) and an inertial mass member ("IMM"12) fabricated upon the substrate. The substrate (14) has a planar surface (16), and the IMM (12) is movable relative to the substrate from a first position to a second position when the switch (10) is accelerated along at least one direction parallel to the planar surface by acceleration of sufficient magnitude. Electrical contacts (e.g., 42) are fabricated upon the substrate (14) with at least one contact being coupled to the IMM (12). The contacts (42) move between closed and open positions when the IMM (12) moves between the first position and the second position. In one embodiment, an electrode (e.g., 62) provides 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 (10) may conveniently be adjusted by adjusting the electrostatic force applied by the electrode (62). The switch (10) is particularly useful as a safing switch in a system (140) for controlling an air bag or other vehicle occupant protection device.
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Lammert Michael Dean
McIver George William
Paladini Albert W.
TRW Inc.
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