US 9,076,612 B2 · Integrating impact switch

Abstract

An integrating impact switch that can discriminate between accelerations due to different stimuli is provided. Embodiments of the present invention actuate only in response to an acceleration whose magnitude is equal to or greater than an acceleration threshold for a predetermined continuous period of time. Embodiments of the present invention comprise an impact switch having a throw that is operatively coupled with a viscous damper that dampens motion of the throw. As a result, a stimulus that imparts an acceleration that meets or exceeds an acceleration threshold for a time period less than a predetermined time-period threshold does not actuate the switch. A stimulus that imparts an acceleration whose magnitude is equal to or greater than the acceleration threshold for a time period equal to the time-period threshold, however, does actuate the switch.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A switch comprising:

a substrate having a first electrical contact, a first terminal, and a second terminal, the first terminal being electrically connected with the first electrical contact;
a spacer layer having a first thickness, the spacer layer including a first bonding region;
an anchor, the anchor being bonded with the substrate at the first bonding region;
and
a throw that is movable with a first motion relative to the first electrical contact, the throw comprising a proof mass and a second electrical contact that is electrically connected with the second terminal, the throw being mechanically coupled with the anchor such that the first electrical contact and second electrical contact are separated by a quiescent separation that is based on the first thickness;
wherein the throw and substrate are arranged such that a first acceleration imparted on the throw induces physical contact between the first electrical contact and second electrical contact thereby establishing electrical communication between the first terminal and second terminal.

3 more elements

A method of forming a switch, the method comprising:

providing a first substrate that includes a first electrical contact, a first terminal that is electrically connected with the first electrical contact, and a second terminal;
providing a spacer layer;
providing a second substrate, the second substrate comprising a handle substrate and a module including;
an anchor;
a throw comprising a proof mass and a second electrical contact;
and
a tether having a first end that is mechanically and electrically connected with the anchor, and a second end that is mechanically and electrically connected with the throw;
forming a bond that joins the first substrate and the anchor, the bond comprising a first portion of the spacer layer, wherein the second electrical contact is electrically connected with the second terminal via the bond;
and
removing the handle substrate;
wherein the substrate and the anchor are joined such that the first electrical contact and second electrical contact are separated by a quiescent separation;
and
wherein, after removal of the handle substrate, the throw is movable with a first motion relative to the first electrical contact in response to a first acceleration imparted on the throw, the first motion inducing physical contact between the first electrical contact and second electrical contact thereby establishing electrical communication between the first terminal and second terminal.

10 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Integrating impact switch

Life of this patent

Integrating impact switch

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20