Patent ID: 6429392
Filing Date: 2002-08-06
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
A bi-directional shock sensor comprising:a housing; a reed switch mounted to the housing, the reed switch having a central region, and an end on either side of the central region, the reed switch defining an axial direction extending between the two ends; an acceleration-sensing magnet incorporating at least two magnetic poles positioned adjacent to the central region of the reed switch; a first spring pre-loading the acceleration-sensing magnet in a first direction against a first structure having portions forming a first stop; a second spring pre-loading the first structure against portions of the housing forming a second stop, the second spring biasing the first structure in a second direction opposite the first direction to form a shock sensor; wherein in response to an acceleration in the first direction the acceleration-sensing magnet moves and compresses the first spring; and wherein in response to an acceleration in the second direction the acceleration-sensing magnet and the first structure move and compress the second spring.