SENSORS FOR DETECTING RAPID DECELERATION/ACCELERATION EVENTS
First Claim
1. A sensor, comprising:
- a magnetically operable device;
a magnet providing a magnetic field; and
a shield movable between a first position in which the shield prevents the magnetic field from operating the device and a second position in which the magnetic field operates the device.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Sensors for detecting rapid deceleration/acceleration events are disclosed herein. A sensor configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a magnetically operable device proximate to a magnet. The sensor also includes a biasing member operably coupled to a magnetic shield. The biasing member controls the movement of the magnetic shield between a first position that shields the magnetically operable device from the magnet, and a second position that exposes the magnetically operable device to the magnet. In a deceleration/acceleration event, the magnetic shield overcomes the biasing member and moves from the first position to the second position, thereby causing the magnetically operable device to be exposed to the magnet.
13 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A sensor, comprising:
-
a magnetically operable device; a magnet providing a magnetic field; and a shield movable between a first position in which the shield prevents the magnetic field from operating the device and a second position in which the magnetic field operates the device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
-
9. A sensor, comprising:
- a magnetically operable switch;
a magnet fixedly disposed relative to the switch; and
a magnetic shield moveable between a first position shielding the switch from the magnet and a second position exposing the switch to the magnet. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
- a magnetically operable switch;
-
16. A method of initiating an inflatable airbag, the method comprising:
-
moving a magnetic shield in response to a rapid deceleration or acceleration event, wherein moving the magnetic shield exposes a magnetically operable device to a magnetic field; activating the magnetically operable device in response to the magnetic field; and sending a signal to inflate the airbag in response to activation of the device. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
-
Specification