Sensor for acceleration
First Claim
1. A sensor for detecting acceleration, in particular for triggering passenger protection devices in motor vehicles, comprising a spring-restrained inertial mass the deflection of which is measured with reference to a fixed reference point upon the action of an acceleration thereon, said mass including a first photoconductor, one end of which is acted upon by a light source and the other end of which is located opposite further photoconductors connected to respective photo detection means in dependence upon the deflection of said mass, and means generating a trigger signal in response to said detection means upon the exceeding of an acceleration threshold value.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A sensor serves to detect acceleration, in particular for triggering passenger protection devices (air bags) in motor vehicles. A spring-restrained inertial mass subjected to the acceleration which is to be measured is deflected, and the deflection is detected with respect to a locally fixed reference point. Upon the exceeding of an acceleration threshold, a trigger signal is generated. A mass-restrained body has a first photoconductor, one end of which is acted upon by a light source. Depending upon whether it is in the state of rest or in a state of deflection dependent upon acceleration, the other end of the photoconductor is located opposite one of various photoconductors, which are connected to photo elements.
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Citations
6 Claims
- 1. A sensor for detecting acceleration, in particular for triggering passenger protection devices in motor vehicles, comprising a spring-restrained inertial mass the deflection of which is measured with reference to a fixed reference point upon the action of an acceleration thereon, said mass including a first photoconductor, one end of which is acted upon by a light source and the other end of which is located opposite further photoconductors connected to respective photo detection means in dependence upon the deflection of said mass, and means generating a trigger signal in response to said detection means upon the exceeding of an acceleration threshold value.
Specification