Multi-axis accelerometer comprising a mass suspended by springs above an optical sensor
AssigneeWestern Digital Technologies, Inc.
InventorGeorge J. Bennett
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A multi-axis accelerometer is disclosed comprising at least one optical sensor for generating a sensor signal in response to light illuminating the optical sensor, a mask positioned over the optical sensor for covering a first area of the optical sensor, at least one spring, and a mass suspended above the optical sensor by the spring. The mass comprises at least one mass aperture for allowing the light to pass through the mass aperture and illuminate a second area of the optical sensor not covered by the mask. When the multi-axis accelerometer accelerates causing the mass to move, a corresponding movement of the mass aperture alters the illumination of the optical sensor such that the sensor signal is indicative of the acceleration.
Claims28
A multi-axis accelerometer comprising:
- (a) at least one optical sensor for generating a sensor signal in response to light illuminating the optical sensor;
- (b) a mask positioned over the optical sensor for covering a first area of the optical sensor;
- (c) at least one spring;
- and
- (d) a mass suspended above the optical sensor by the spring, wherein:
- the mass comprises at least one mass aperture for allowing the light to pass through the mass aperture and illuminate a second area of the optical sensor not covered by the mask;
- and
- when the multi-axis accelerometer accelerates causing the mass to move, a corresponding movement of the mass aperture alters the illumination of the optical sensor such that the sensor signal is indicative of the acceleration.
A method of detecting linear and rotational accelerations, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) positioning a mask over an optical sensor to cover a first area of the optical sensor;
- (b) suspending a mass above the optical sensor using springs;
- and
- (c) illuminating the optical sensor with light to generate a sensor signal;
- wherein:
- the mass comprises at least one mass aperture for allowing the light to pass through the mass aperture and illuminate a second area of the optical sensor not covered by the mask;
- and
- when the multi-axis accelerometer accelerates causing the mass to move, a corresponding movement of the mass aperture alters the illumination of the optical sensor such that the sensor signal is indicative of the acceleration.
A disk drive comprising:
- (a) a disk;
- (b) a head;
- (c) an actuator for actuating the head radially over the disk;
- (d) a multi-axis accelerometer for generating an acceleration signal representing a vibration affecting the actuator, the acceleration signal for controlling operation of the disk drive, the multi-axis accelerometer comprising:
- at least one optical sensor for generating a sensor signal in response to light illuminating the optical sensor;
- a mask positioned over the optical sensor for covering a first area of the optical sensor;
- at least one spring;
- and
- a mass suspended above the optical sensor by the spring, wherein:
- the mass comprises at least one mass aperture for allowing the light to pass through the mass aperture and illuminate a second area of the optical sensor not covered by the mask;
- and
- when the disk drive accelerates causing the mass to move, a corresponding movement of the mass aperture alters the illumination of the optical sensor such that the sensor signal is indicative of the acceleration.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.