Miniature shock detector

Leslah Garland 14 February 2024  

SilMach says it made a significant impact on the electronics world during its first participation at the CES in Las Vegas, with its silicon core micromotor winning a Best of Innovation Award and the micromotor has already found applications in watchmaking, healthcare, and micromechanics in general.

SilMach has now unveiled its miniature shock detector and says, the size of a microchip, robust and self-sufficient, it can operate without energy in any environment. The company says once installed on a structure, whether a mobile device like a helmet, a protective mask, a PC, or a more substantial structure like an aircraft, a ship, a vehicle, a bridge, a pipeline or a building, this shock detector functions as a real-life data sensor for the structure. The ChronoMEMS  addresses structural health monitoring, utilising data knowledge to enhance safety.

The company says precise and individualised knowledge of events experienced by the monitored structure provide insight into its potential residual lifespan, allowing for a verdict of unparalleled operational safety. The ChronoMEMS solution can enable immediate on-site operational decisions in a fleet management context.  SilMach has announced the development of its miniature shock detector technology in 2024. Benefits will include:

Energy-Efficient: The detector stands out for its complete lack of energy needs, marking a major breakthrough in the field.

Precise and Reliable: The detector also stands out for its exceptional precision and reliability. Thanks to drift-free technology, it ensures remarkably reliable results.
Operational Underwater and in Space: This detector goes beyond conventional limits by operating underwater and in space, opening the door to new unexplored applications.
Ultralight and Compact: The size and weight of a credit card chip, it offers an unparalleled solution in terms of discretion and practicality.

Insensitive to Environmental Conditions: Pressure, temperature, electromagnetic fields, radioactivity, etc.
Communicative: It directly displays information through a visual indicator.
Cost-Effective: The sensor costs a few euros for a standard model.

The company says with this chip, high-value or critical safety equipment, such as motorcycle helmets, will be able to show their wear and integrity, just like important structures, such as bridges, airplanes, boats, etc. The planned development of this technology in 2024 is already generating keen interest in various sectors such as defence, heralding a new era for surveillance, security, and many other fields.

Pierre-François Louvigné, Co-CEO of SilMach said: “With this intelligent micro-mechanics on a chip, we are heading towards a safer world where sustainability can be demonstrated. Thanks to this chip, expensive or vital devices, such as a motorcycle helmet, will be able to express their wear and history, just like important structures such as infrastructures.”

Jean Baptiste Carnet, Co-CEO of SILMach said: “The production of this micro-sensor marks SilMach’s ability to diversify. It is a complementary offer with enormous potential in key markets such as defense, aerospace, and construction.”