Importance

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Abstract

A method for measuring acceleration or mechanical forces, the acceleration causing inertial forces, uses a transducer or accelerometer in which at least one piezoelectric element is influenced by a shearing force substantially parallel to the polarization axis of the piezoelectric element, where the shearing force is created by a component of a mechanical or an inertial force substantially perpendicular to the polarization axis. A transducer for measuring acceleration or mechanical forces, the acceleration causing inertial forces, includes at least one piezoelectric element and at least two spaces surfaces abutting the piezoelectric element and arranged so that they are mutually displaced by a component of a mechanical or an inertial force acting substantially in a direction perpendicular to the polarization axis of the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element is preferably mounted between the free ends of two arms positioned on a supporting base, the arms being deformed or tilted in a direction perpendicular to their longitudinal axis by the force or acceleration. Forces or accelerations in three directions may be measured using a single piezoelectric element with a plurality of electrodes. The principles are also useful for the measurement of force or pressure.

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First Claim