Patent ID: 7021141
Filing Date: 2006-04-04
Classification: G01P

Abstract:
1. An accelerometer comprising: a cantilevered beam having a fixed end and a free end with a longitudinal direction proceeding between said fixed end and said free end; said cantilevered beam being composed of at least one piezoelectric layer and at least one supporting layer; an inertial mass mounted at said free end of said cantilevered beam, said inertial mass being disposed eccentrically relative to said longitudinal direction and having a center of gravity; and said cantilevered beam and said inertial mass, in combination, having a primary direction of sensitivity to acceleration forces, and a secondary direction of sensitivity to acceleration forces which is orthogonal to said primary direction and in which sensitivity to acceleration forces is negligible, said secondary direction forming an angle α relative to said longitudinal direction so that a line coinciding with a force proceeding through said center of gravity of said inertial mass, and which is directed in said secondary direction, also intersects said cantilevered beam.