Patent ID: 6028343
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
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,at least one fixed contact layer underlying said plurality of released beams,remaining 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, said remaining portions of the at least one sacrificial layer including at least one concave surface underlying each of said plurality of released beams, and each of said plurality of released cantilever beams contacting said at least one fixed contact layer responsive to acceleration in a predetermined direction to form a closed switch position, andat least one insulating support plate underlying said at least one fixed contact layer, andwherein said switch detecting circuit region generates a signal responsive to the contact of said at least one of said plurality of released beams with said at least one fixed contact layer.