US4855544A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multiple level miniature electromechanical accelerometer switch
Assignee: Honeywell Inc
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Filing: 1988-09-01
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Granted: 1989-08-08
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Expires: 2008-09-01
Abstract
Abstract An accelerometer switch which has cantilever beams carrying integral end masses formed in a silicon die which is sandwiched between a contact plate and a support plate. Each beam provides switching at a different threshold acceleration level. The fixed contact face of the contact plate is configured with a relief space to permit accelerometer switch operation even though the input acceleration is off-normal and there is twisting of the accelerometer beam.
Inventors
- 👤 Max C. Glenn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 06:35
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H35/00; H01H35/14; G; G01; G01P; G01P15/00; G01P15/02; G01P15/08; G01P15/0802; G01P15/135; H01H1/00; H01H1/0036; G01P2015/0805; G01P2015/0822; G01P2015/0825; G01P2015/0828
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
177 words
An accelerometer switch, comprising: a contact plate; a backplate; an accelerometer die formed from a single piece of semiconductor material, said accelerometer die sandwiched between said contact plate and said backplate, said accelerometer die having a plurality of cantilever beams, each said cantilever beam having a fixed end and a free end, each said free end carrying an integral end mass, each said cantilever beam further having a first contact face; a first electrical contact located on said first face; a second contact face located on said contact plate and spaced from said first contact face, said second face having a raised portion located to be complementary to said first electrical contact; and a second electrical contact located on said raised portion such that a threshold acceleration normal to said first contact face will cause bending of said cantilever beam thereby carrying said first electrical contact into engagement with said second electrical contact; said raised portion allowing said first contact to engage said second contact when said first contact face is tilted due to an offnormal acceleration.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
177 words
An accelerometer switch, comprising: a contact plate; a backplate; an accelerometer die formed from a single piece of semiconductor material, said accelerometer die sandwiched between said contact plate and said backplate, said accelerometer die having a plurality of cantilever beams, each said cantilever beam having a fixed end and a free end, each said free end carrying an integral end mass, each said cantilever beam further having a first contact face; a first electrical contact located on said first face; a second contact face located on said contact plate and spaced from said first contact face, said second face having a raised portion located to be complementary to said first electrical contact; and a second electrical contact located on said raised portion such that a threshold acceleration normal to said first contact face will cause bending of said cantilever beam thereby carrying said first electrical contact into engagement with said second electrical contact; said raised portion allowing said first contact to engage said second contact when said first contact face is tilted due to an offnormal acceleration.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The switch of claim 1 including electrical connecting means between said first contact and a switch terminal associated with said first contact.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The switch of claim 2 including electrical connecting means between said second contact and a common switch terminal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The switch of claim 3, further comprising: a pedestal located on said backplate directly below each said end mass for biasing each said first contact more closely toward engagement with each said second contact.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-08-07 | 1993-02-06 | 1993-08-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-08-07 | 1997-02-06 | 1997-08-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-08-07 | 2001-02-06 | 2001-08-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |