Automatic acceleration sensor for motor vehicle safety system - actuatesprotection appts. e.g. air bag or belt tightener by completing circuit wheninertial ball is forced from rest position

摘要

An acceleration sensor (10) automatically triggering a safety mechanism comprises a ball (15) acting as an inertial body, held by a magnet (16) in the base (13) of an inner space (12) with sloping side walls (14). One end (17) of a rocker arm (18), to which a power supply is applied, lies in contact with the ball (15), and the other end (19) is movably supported. On acceleration the ball (15) moves out of its rest position allowing a contact (22) on the rocker arm (18) to make contact with a fixed contact (23) thus completing the circuit to actuate the safety mechanism. USE/ADVANTAGE - Triggering occupant safety device in motor vehicle. Has quick response time since small movement of ball can enable contacts to close without any intermediate components. Degree of acceleration causing triggering can be varied as desired.