Low-power accelerometer
OwnerNicolas Pierre Delorme, Daniel Saiasinventors
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Abstract
The invention relates to an accelerometer comprising a plurality of proof-masses (M1-M4) moveable along a measurement axis (AB); a respective spring (K1-K4) rigidly attached to each proof-mass, configured to exert an elastic recall on the proof-mass in the measurement axis; a fixed stop (S1-S4) associated with each proof-mass, arranged to intercept the proof-mass when the acceleration in the measurement axis increases by a step; and an electrical contact associated with each stop, configured to be closed when the associated proof-mass reaches the stop. The proof-masses are suspended in series with respect to one another by springs in the measurement axis, the stops being arranged to successively intercept the respective proof-masses for increasing thresholds of acceleration.
Claims9
An accelerometer comprising:
- a plurality of proof-masses movable along a measurement axis;
- a respective spring attached to each proof-mass, configured to exert an elastic return on the proof-mass along the measurement axis;
- a fixed stop associated with each proof-mass, arranged to intercept the proof-mass when the acceleration along the measurement axis increases by one step;
- and
- an electrical contact associated with each stop, configured to be closed when the associated proof-mass reaches the stop;
- wherein the proof-masses are suspended with respect to one and other by the springs, in series along the measurement axis, and the stops are configured to successively intercept the respective proof-masses for increasing acceleration thresholds.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.