US4932260A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Crash sensing switch with suspended mass
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1988-06-27
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Granted: 1990-06-12
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Expires: 2008-06-27
Abstract
Abstract A crash sensor for automobiles of the type including a sensing mass movable in a closed chamber against pressure resulting from viscous flow has a disk shaped sensing mass suspended by one or two webs like those used to suspend the moving elements of audio speakers. The web suspending the sensing mass allows the sensing mass free axial motion while resisting radial motion. Movement of the sensing mass is resisted by air pressure resulting from viscous flow of air through conduits. Compensation for variation of air viscosity with temperature is achieved by varying the travel of the sensing mass. The sensor design enables accurate automatic calibration. The unit is compact and is made from a small number of inexpensive parts. The combination of these elements provides a crash sensor that is insensitive to cross axis vibrations and costs much less than current production sensors.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter Norton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 13:34
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/02; B60R21/16; B60R21/33; G; G01; G01P; G01P15/00; G01P15/02; G01P15/08; G01P15/135; H; H01; H01H; H01H35/00; H01H35/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
61 words
A crash sensor comprising a sensing mass movable in a chamber, flexible suspension means suspending said sensing mass and dividing said chamber into two compartments, said chamber being filled with a viscous fluid, said flexible suspension means blocking movement of said viscous fluid between said compartments, and a first flow control means for viscously conducting said viscous fluid between said compartments.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
61 words
A crash sensor comprising a sensing mass movable in a chamber, flexible suspension means suspending said sensing mass and dividing said chamber into two compartments, said chamber being filled with a viscous fluid, said flexible suspension means blocking movement of said viscous fluid between said compartments, and a first flow control means for viscously conducting said viscous fluid between said compartments.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention as defined by claim 1 wherein: said first flow control means comprises a fluid conduit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention as defined by claim 1 wherein: said flexible suspension means comprises woven material impregnated with material making the woven material impervious to said viscous fluid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
66 words
The invention as defined by claim 1 wherein: said sensing mass is movable between a normal resting position at one extreme of its travel and a second position attained during a crash, and including: second flow control means for allowing said viscous fluid to bypass said first flow control means upon movement of said sensing mass to a predetermined position away from said normal resting position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention as defined by claim 4 wherein: said second flow control means comprises openings in said flexible suspension means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
The invention as defined by claim 1 wherein: said sensing mass is movable between a normal resting position at one extreme of its travel and a second position attained during a crash, and including: sensing means for ascertaining when said sensing mass attains said second position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention as defined by claim 6 wherein: said sensing means comprises contacts adapted for bridging by said sensing mass.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The invention as defined by claim 1 wherein said viscous fluid is air.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention as defined by claim 1 wherein: said first flow control means is adjustable for calibration.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
47 words
The invention as defined by claim 2 wherein: there is a multiplicity of said conduits blocking means in a selected one or more of said conduits for calibration of the viscous resistance to said viscous conduction of said viscous fluid during said movement of said sensing mass.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
74 words
A crash sensor comprising a sensing mass movable in a chamber wherein: flexible suspension means for said sensing mass, said sensing mass is movable between a normal resting position at one extreme of its travel and a second position attained during a crash, and including resilient means urging said sensing mass toward said normal resting position, and said resilient means comprises a ring having inwardly extending elements for applying force to said sensing mass.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
74 words
A crash sensor comprising a sensing mass movable in a chamber wherein: flexible suspension means for said sensing mass, said sensing mass is movable between a normal resting position at one extreme of its travel and a second position attained during a crash, and including resilient means urging said sensing mass toward said normal resting position, and said resilient means comprises a ring having inwardly extending elements for applying force to said sensing mass.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
47 words
The invention as defined by claim 1 wherein: said sensing mass is movable between a normal resting position at one extreme of its travel and a second position attained during a crash, and including, temperature responsive means for determining said normal resting position in accordance with temperature.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention as defined by claim 1 wherein: said sensing mass has an axially extending member and including, a second flexible suspension means for suspending said sensing mass at said axially extending member.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention as defined by claim 6 wherein: said sensing means comprises semiconductor means adapted for completing an electric circuit upon said movement of said sensing mass to said second position.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
59 words
The invention as defined by claim 1 wherein: said sensing mass is movable between a normal resting position at one extreme of its travel and a second position attained during a crash, and including, ignition means responsive to mechanical impact, and striking means for striking said ignition means upon said movement of said sensing mass to said second position.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
63 words
A crash sensor comprising a sensing mass movable in a chamber, said chamber being divided into two compartments, said chamber being and filled with a viscous fluid and said sensing mass being adapted to displace said viscous fluid from one of said compartments to the other of said compartments during its movement, and channels for viscously conducting said viscous fluid between said compartments.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
63 words
A crash sensor comprising a sensing mass movable in a chamber, said chamber being divided into two compartments, said chamber being and filled with a viscous fluid and said sensing mass being adapted to displace said viscous fluid from one of said compartments to the other of said compartments during its movement, and channels for viscously conducting said viscous fluid between said compartments.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention as defined by claim 16 including: means for blocking a selected one or more of said channels for calibrating said sensor.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention as defined by claim 16 wherein: said channels result from the mating of two surfaces and one of said surfaces is fluted.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-06-11 | 1993-12-11 | 1994-06-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-06-11 | 1997-12-11 | 1998-06-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-06-11 | 2001-12-11 | 2002-06-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |