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Compact crash sensing switch with air ducts and diagnostic system

  • US 5,892,193 A
  • Filed: 06/05/1995
  • Issued: 04/06/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/04/1988
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. In a crash sensor of the acceleration integrating type comprising a sensing mass movable axially inside and in close proximity to a sealed gas filled tube during a crash from a normal resting position to a second position, said movement causing displacement of said gas, and sensing means for ascertaining when said sensing mass has moved to said second position, the improvement comprising:

  • flow restricting means for limiting flow of said gas between said sensing mass and said tube, anda duct for viscously conducting said gas past said flow restricting means,whereby said mass responds to a predetermined velocity change of said crash sensor by moving from said normal resting position to said second position, and whereinsaid sensing mass and said tube are made of materials having different thermal expansion coefficients thereby having relative thermal expansion therebetween upon change in temperature and said tube has a thermal expansion coefficient sufficiently different from the thermal expansion coefficient of said sensing mass that said relative thermal expansion compensates for the entire variation of viscosity of said gas with temperature.

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