US Patent:
20010054323, Dec 27, 2001
Inventors:
Ernst Faigle - Dryden MI, US
Tracy Sparks - Attica MI, US
Douglas Campbell - Metamora MI, US
Craig Lyszczyk - Casco MI, US
Assignee:
TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
International Classification:
G01L001/26
Abstract:
An apparatus () includes a member () that has a first slot () extending through the member within the periphery () of the member. The first slot () has opposed spaced surfaces () that define a gap () that has a width measured from one of the opposed surfaces to the other of the opposed surfaces. The member () includes first and second portions (and ) positioned on opposite sides of the first slot (). The apparatus () also includes a sensor () that has a first end () connected to the first portion () on one side of the first slot () and an opposite second end () connected to the second portion () on an opposite side of the first slot such that the sensor extends across the first slot. The apparatus () further includes means () for fixedly connecting the second portion () to inhibit movement of the second portion of the member relative to the first portion (). The first portion () moves relative to the second portion () when a force is applied to the first portion, which causes the width of the gap to change. The sensor () provides a signal in response to the change in the gap width.