US Patent:
20120095721, Apr 19, 2012
Inventors:
Okechukwu Aniemeka Uwechue - Coral Springs FL, US
Assignee:
RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED - Waterloo
International Classification:
G06F 15/00
G01P 15/09
Abstract:
An accelerometer based on the measurement of Casimir force fluctuations is described. The accelerometer comprises a sealed housing containing a vacuum or a liquid, a piezoelectric plate fixed with the sealed housing, and a mass moveable within the sealed housing located in proximity to the piezoelectric plate. The moveable mass and the piezoelectric plate each have conductive surfaces which are located from each other at a distance which creates a Casimir Effect between the movable mass and the piezoelectric plate. Fluctuations in acceleration of the moveable mass cause fluctuations in the Casimir force on the piezoelectric plate. The acceleration fluctuations cause fluctuations in an electric output of the piezoelectric plate. The fluctuations in electric output are measured and used to calculate an acceleration and direction of movement of the accelerometer or a host device in which the accelerometer is carried.