Patent ID: 8875631

Claim:
An inertial igniter for igniting a thermal battery upon a predetermined acceleration event, the inertial igniter comprising: a base having a first projection; a striker mass rotatably connected to the base through a rotatable connection, the striker mass having a second projection aligned with the first projection such that when the striker mass is rotated towards the base, the first projection impacts the second projection; and a rotation prevention mechanism for preventing impact of the first and second projections unless the predetermined acceleration event is experienced; wherein the rotation prevention mechanism comprises a retaining member movably disposed at least partially in the striker mass and a blocking member movably disposed in a blocking position for blocking the retaining member from moving from the striker mass unless the predetermined acceleration event is experienced; and the blocking member is a flexural spring having a first end connected to one of the base or striker mass and a second end blocking the retaining member, and the second end includes an opening that allows the retaining member to pass when the flexural spring rotates or bends due to the predetermined acceleration event.