Zero-power shock sensors using bistable compliant mechanisms

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 mm(2) to 500 mm(2) and the G-force sensitivity range varied between 10 and 800 g.