Integrating impact switch
First Claim
1. A micromechanical switch comprising:
- a first electrical contact;
a proof mass comprising a second electrical contact, the proof mass being dimensioned and arranged to move with a first motion relative to the first electrical contact;
a first reservoir containing a first fluid, wherein the volume of the first reservoir is based on a position of the proof mass; and
a second reservoir, the second reservoir and first reservoir being fluidically coupled via a first channel;
wherein the first motion is based on (1) a first acceleration of the proof mass and (2) a first flow of the first fluid through the first channel.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A micromechanical switch comprising:
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a first electrical contact; a proof mass comprising a second electrical contact, the proof mass being dimensioned and arranged to move with a first motion relative to the first electrical contact; a first reservoir containing a first fluid, wherein the volume of the first reservoir is based on a position of the proof mass; and a second reservoir, the second reservoir and first reservoir being fluidically coupled via a first channel; wherein the first motion is based on (1) a first acceleration of the proof mass and (2) a first flow of the first fluid through the first channel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A switch comprising:
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a substrate including; a first electrical contact, a first bonding region, and a second bonding region; wherein each of the first electrical contact and bonding region is substantially immovable with respect to the substrate; a first layer including; a throw that includes a proof mass and a second electrical contact; a plurality of tethers, the plurality of tethers being operative for enabling a first motion of the throw with respect to the first electrical contact; and a housing; wherein the substrate and first layer are joined such that (1) the throw is movable with the first motion and (2) the throw and the housing collectively define a first channel that is fluidically coupled with a first region comprising a first fluid, the first region being between the throw and the first electrical contact; and wherein the first motion is based on (1) an acceleration of the proof mass and (2) a first flow of the first fluid through the first channel. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification