Abstract:
An inertia switch capable of detecting the arrival of stress waves from any direction in the plane of the mounting surface is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of conductive spheres are held in a plurality of corresponding recesses by spring arms. A pair of interconnected conductors on each recess surface form, with the conductive spheres, an electrical circuit which is broken if any of the spheres is moved outwardly of its recess against the spring by any impact or stress wave in the structure. Provisions are included for adjusting the switch sensitivity by adjusting the spring preload on the spheres.