Accelerometer with beam resonator force transducer
First Claim
1. In an accelerometer having a base, a proof mass hinged to the base to respond to an acceleration and a brittle, bidirectional, beam resonator force transducer having one end connected to the proof mass and the other end connected to the base, the output of the force transducer being a measure of the acceleration sensed by the proof mass, the improvement comprising:
- a compliant mount having a bidirectional, linear and continuous force/deflection characteristic, interposed between the other end of the force transducer and the base to extend the range of movement of the proof mass without subjecting the force transducer to an excessive force.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An accelerometer includes a hinged proof mass constrained from movement by a beam resonator force transducer. To afford greater movement of the proof mass and greater latitude in positioning mechanical stops, one end of the force transducer is connected with the accelerometer base through a compliant mount. The other end of the force transducer is connected with the proof mass at the center of percussion of the proof mass. Adjacent surfaces of the proof mass and base provide squeeze film viscous gas damping. A pair of proof mass-force transducer systems are mounted on a carrier in opposite positions with the sensitive axes of the proof masses aligned and the proof mass hinge axes parallel and opposed to each other.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. In an accelerometer having a base, a proof mass hinged to the base to respond to an acceleration and a brittle, bidirectional, beam resonator force transducer having one end connected to the proof mass and the other end connected to the base, the output of the force transducer being a measure of the acceleration sensed by the proof mass, the improvement comprising:
a compliant mount having a bidirectional, linear and continuous force/deflection characteristic, interposed between the other end of the force transducer and the base to extend the range of movement of the proof mass without subjecting the force transducer to an excessive force. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. In an accelerometer having a base, a proof mass, a hinge securing the proof mass to the base to respond to an acceleration and a beam resonator force transducer having one end connected to the proof mass and the other end connected to the base, the output of the force transducer being a measure of the acceleration sensed by the proof mass, the improvement in which
said one end of the force transducer is connected to the proof mass at the center of percussion of the proof mass with respect to said hinge.
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11. A dual proof mass accelerometer comprising:
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a carrier having two aligned, parallel, oppositely directed seating surfaces; a pair of accelerometers, each having a base including a mounting element, a proof mass, a hinge connecting the proof mass to the base for pivotal movement to respond accelerations and a beam resonator force transducer with one end connected to the proof mass and the other end connected to the base, the mounting element of each of the accelerometers being received on one of the seating surfaces of the carrier with the sensitive axes of the accelerometers aligned and with the hinge axes of the proof masses parallel and opposite each other. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification