Patent ID: 6058778
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: B81B,B81C,G01P

Abstract:
An integrated sensor comprising:a switch detecting circuit region; anda sensor switching region connected to and positioned adjacent said switch detecting circuit region, said sensor switching region including;a plurality of floating contacts positioned adjacent and lengthwise extending outwardly from said switch detecting circuit region for defining a plurality of released beams so that each of said plurality of released beams displaces in a predetermined direction responsive to acceleration, said plurality of released beams including at least two released beams lengthwise extending outwardly from said switch detecting circuit region to different predetermined lengths and at least two released beams lengthwise extending outwardly from said switch detecting circuit region to substantially the same predetermined lengths, each of said plurality of released beams comprising a integrally monolithic material having a generally uniform thickness extending substantially the entire length thereof,at least one fixed contact layer underlying said plurality of released beams, andremaining portions of at least one sacrificial layer positioned between said at least one fixed contact layer and each of said plurality of released beams, each of said plurality of released beams being positioned in spaced relation from said at least one fixed contact layer in a normally open position, the spaced relation forming by removal of unwanted portions of the sacrificial layer, and each of said plurality of released beams contacting said at least one fixed contact layer responsive to acceleration in a predetermined direction to form a closed switch position.