Miniature Shock Detector: A Revolutionary Advancement in Micromechanics

Summary

Feb. 9, 2024 - Following the success of its silicium core micromotor at the CES in Las Vegas, SilMach is set to revolutionize the micromechanical industry yet again with its miniature shock detector. SilMach has announced the industrialization in 2024 of a new product: unique chip-sized technology that can be integrated into a whole range of objects.

This new generation of hybrid MEMS micromechanical sensors, operating without electronics and an energy source, can count and memorize mechanical events such as deformations, vibrations, shocks and accelerations, with a lifespan of several decades. SilMach paves the way for a safer and more sustainable world.
                               
SilMach 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. The micromotor has already found applications in watchmaking, healthcare and micromechanics in general.

SilMach now unveils its miniature shock detector and announces its industrialization for the upcoming year. The size of a microchip, robust and self-sufficient, it operates without energy in any environment. 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, a building, etc., this innovation functions as a real-life data sensor for the structure. The ChronoMEMS innovation addresses structural health monitoring, utilizing data exploitation to enhance safety. Precise and individualized knowledge of events experienced by the monitored structure provides insight into its potential residual lifespan, allowing for a verdict of unparalleled operational safety.

The ChronoMEMS solution enables immediate on-site operational decisions in a fleet management context. Each object is capable of providing its state. It's a radically opposite approach to "big data." SilMach, always at the forefront of innovation, confirms the strength of its R&D by announcing the industrialization of its miniature shock detector technology in 2024:

• Energy-efficient: This revolutionary 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: Frugal, this sensor costs a few euros for a standard model.

With this chip, high-value or critical safety equipment, such as motorcycle helmets, will be able to testify to their wear and integrity, just like important structures that we use, such as bridges, airplanes, boats, etc. SilMach, a pioneer in innovation, shapes the future of shock detection technology globally. The planned industrialization of this technology in 2024 is already generating keen interest in various sectors such as defense, heralding a new era for surveillance, security, and many other fields.

Pierre-François Louvigné, co-CEO of SilMach: "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: "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."

It will be available in 2024

About SilMach

A true pioneer on the international stage in the field of silicon micromechanics, SilMach (Silicium Machinery) was created in 2003 in Besançon with a strong conviction: to bring to an industrial scale the first hybrid MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) micromachines. Through groundbreaking and highly innovative projects, SilMach pushes the limits of miniaturization and the known, such as its iconic bio-inspired nanodrone "Libellule" (Dragonfly). SilMach designs, develops, manufactures, and integrates powerful MEMS microsystems through micromotors for the motorization of nomadic and connected systems or even energy-free micromechanical sensors for structural health monitoring.