Inventors:
Ricardo Dao - San Diego CA
Denny E. Morgan - San Diego CA
Harold H. Kries - San Diego CA
David M. Bachelder - San Diego CA
Assignee:
REMEC, Inc. - San Diego CA
International Classification:
G01P 1508
Abstract:
A convective accelerometer and inclinometer includes two temperature sensing elements mounted within a sealed enclosure containing a gas. The application of heat to the gas within the enclosure by a heating element causes the gas to flow in a predetermined pattern in free convection. When linear acceleration or inclination is applied to the enclosure the convective flow of gas is affected causing a temperature differential between the temperature sensing elements. This temperature differential is measured as a difference in electrical resistance between the two temperature sensing elements which is proportional to the acceleration. The device can be used to measure linear acceleration, velocity, position or inclination. The device can also be used as an inclinometer for measuring the angle of gravity. The device has a wide variety applications particularly within the automotive field.