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Title: High sensitivity single-axis MEMS accelerometer with bilateral flexures

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1600276

A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometer that has high sensitivity to motion along the z axis is discussed. The device includes two symmetrical sets of bilateral, diametrically opposed high aspect ratio flexures that tether a movable proof mass to the frame of the device. The flexures are designed in such a way as to restrict movement of the proof mass along the x and y axes but readily allow motion along the z axis. More specifically, when the device experiences an acceleration along the x or y axes, the proof mass is restricted from moving because some of the bilateral, diametrically opposed flexures are in compression and others are in tension.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
DOE Contract Number:
NA0003525
Assignee:
National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC (Albuquerque, NM)
Patent Number(s):
10,473,687
Application Number:
15/594,133
OSTI ID:
1600276
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 05/12/2017
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (5)

Sensor structure with L-shaped spring legs patent July 1997
Triple-axis MEMS accelerometer patent January 2016
Micromachined measuring cell with arm supported sensor patent September 1996
Micro-Machined Accelerometer patent-application July 2003
High-sensitivity, z-axis micro-electro-mechanical detection structure, in particular for an MEMS accelerometer patent December 2016

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