Patent ID: 6247371
Filing Date: 2001-06-19
Classification: G01P

Abstract:
A three-axis sensor comprising:a supporting base having a cavity formed therein;an operating member disposed substantially at a radial center of the cavity; andat least one flexible plate having at least one piece of piezoelectric material in contact with at least one pair of electrodes and extending across said cavity at an end of said supporting base, said operating member being suspended at said center of said cavity by said at least one flexible plate;said at least one flexible plate being deformed in response to behavior of said operating member corresponding to a physical quantity applied to said sensor, said piece of piezoelectric material generating a charge corresponding to the deformation of the at least one flexible plate thereby three-dimensionally detecting magnitude and direction of said physical quantity;said at least one flexible plate having at least a first portion which is mechanically weaker than at least a second portion of said flexible plate, said piece of piezoelectric material being positioned in said first portion of said flexible plate which is mechanically weaker than said second portion of said flexible plate, whereby deformation of said flexible plate is more concentrated on said first portion where said piece of piezoelectric material is positioned.