Impulse-based compact mechanical G-switch with modular design

A G-switch comprising:

• a body having a base and two or more posts extending from the base, each of the two or more posts having a hole;
• at least one locking ball corresponding to each of the two or more posts, wherein a first portion of the locking balls are disposed in the hole;
• a striker mass movably disposed relative to the two or more posts and having a surface corresponding to each of the two or more posts, the movement of the striker mass being guided by the surfaces, the striker mass further having a concave portion corresponding to each of the locking balls, wherein a second portion of each locking ball is disposed in a corresponding concave portion for retaining the striker mass relative to the two or more posts;
• a collar movable relative to the two or more posts;
• a biasing element for biasing the collar in a first position which retains the locking balls within the concave portions, the biasing element permitting movement of the collar to a second position in which the locking balls can be released from the concave portions to release the striker mass relative to the two or more posts upon a predetermined acceleration profile experienced by the body;
• a member disposed on the striker mass;
• and
• first and second electrically conductive contacts disposed on a portion of the body;
• wherein the first member one of opening or closing an electrical circuit between the first and second contacts upon release of the striker mass.