Impact detector

Details Impact detector Impact detector

1991-07-05

1993-01-05

Scott, J. R.

Electricity: circuit makers and breakers

Special application

Change of inclination or of rate of motion responsive

73517R, 200181, H01H 3514, G01P 1508

Patent

active

051773317

ABSTRACT:
An impact detector includes a center chip of micromachined silicon, a top cap, and a back plate, with the center chip being sandwiched between the top cap and the back plate. The center chip is micromachined to provide a seismic mass, a perimeter ring, and a plurality of beams interconnecting the perimeter ring and the seismic mass. The center chip and back plate mount aligned switch contacts which close to each other when the seismic mass moves from its static or nondisplaced position to its operative or displaced position. An electrostatic attractive force is generated between the seismic mass and the back plate. This electrostatic attractive force is less than the tensile force applied to the seismic mass by the beams so that the seismic mass remains in its static or nondisplaced position unless the impact detector is subjected to an impulsive force of sufficient magnitude and duration such that the inertial reaction force of the seismic mass when coupled with the electrostatic attractive force is greater than the tensile force so that the seismic mass moves to the operative displaced position. In the operative displaced position, the electrostatic attractive force latches the switch contacts to each other until the electrostatic attractive force is reduced and the tensile force can then return the seismic mass to its static or nondisplaced position.

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