Miniature multiplanar acceleration switch
AssigneeAerodyne Controls Corporation
InventorsJames R. Miller, Leonard P. Tetrault
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This miniature multiplanar acceleration switch has a generally cylindrical electrically conductive mass held by coil spring bias in abutment with one end of a cylindrical chamber in a metal shell. The diameter of the mass is smaller than that of the chamber and is tapered so that the mass can tilt in response to a laterally directed force of acceleration to dispose its axis at an angle to the axis of the chamber. The mass has an inner end formed with a bore into which extends the end of a circuit lead carried by a glass insulator bonded to a header closing the other end of the chamber. When the mass tilts, the lead is contacted by the mass to close an electric circuit.
Claims9
A miniature multiplanar acceleration switch, comprising:
- a hollow cylindrical electrically conductive metal shell closed at one end and open at its other end to define a cylindrical chamber therein;
- an electrically conductive metal mass movable in said chamber, said mass having a generally cylindrical body axially aligned with that of said chamber, said body having a radially extending annular flange at one end thereof disposed at said closed end of said shell and arranged to permit said body to tilt to dispose its axis at an angle to said axis of said shell, said flange defining a continuous annular shoulder facing the other end of said shell, and a bore in the other end of said body defining a circular hole whose center registers with said axis of said body and whose rim is equally spaced radially at all points from said axis of said body;
- a header closing said chamber at the other end of said shell, said header having an electrically conductive metal ring secured to said shell, and a central insulator bonded to and inside of said ring;
- said body having a frustoconical wall extending from said shoulder and tapering inwardly radially toward said header;
- a circuit lead extending axially through said insulator and bonded thereto, said lead having a pin-like tip end projecting axially into said bore centrally thereof;
- and
- a cylindrical, electrically conductive coil spring in said chamber extending axially thereof and surrounding a major portion of said mass, opposite end turns of said spring being disposed respectively at said shoulder of said annular flange and at said ring of said header, said spring biasing said body against said closed end of said shell, all intermediate turns of said spring being spaced radially from said body at all positions of tilt of said mass in said chamber;
- whereby said mass tilts angularly to said axis of said chamber when a force of acceleration is directed laterally to said mass in a direction other than one parallel to said axis of of said body, to cause direct contact between said tip of said circuit lead and the rim of said hole in said body before any of said intermediate turns of said spring can contact said body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.