Zero-power shock sensors using bistable compliant mechanisms

Brett J. Hansen; Christopher J. Carron; Aaron R. Hawkins; Stephen M. Schultz

doi:10.1117/12.715230

27 April 2007 Zero-power shock sensors using bistable compliant mechanisms

Brett J. Hansen, Christopher J. Carron, Aaron R. Hawkins, Stephen M. Schultz

Proceedings Volume 6525, Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems 2007; 65251W (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.715230
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2007, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the design, fabrication, and analysis of a small plastic latching accelerometer, or shock sensor, that is bi-stable and functions without the use of electricity. The sensor has two stable mechanical states. When force above a certain threshold limit is applied, the sensor changes states and remains in the changed state indicating the amount of force that has been applied to the sensor. The devices were laser-cut from ABS and Delrin plastics, and the surface area of the free-moving section was varied to produce sensors with a range of force sensitivities. The switching action of the devices was analyzed with the use of a centrifuge, which supplied the necessary force to switch the accelerometers from one mechanical state to another. The surface area of the sensors varied from 100 mm² to 500 mm² and the G-force sensitivity range varied between 10 and 800 g.

Citation Download Citation

Brett J. Hansen, Christopher J. Carron, Aaron R. Hawkins, and Stephen M. Schultz "Zero-power shock sensors using bistable compliant mechanisms", Proc. SPIE 6525, Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems 2007, 65251W (27 April 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.715230

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