Review: Fifty Years Plus of Accelerometer History for Shock and Vibration (1940–1996)

Abstract

This article summarizes the history of accelerometer development and the subsequent evolution of the commercial accelerometer industry. The focus is primarily on piezoelectric and piezoresistive accelerometers, although early resistance-bridge-type accelerometers are also described. The pioneer accelerometer manufacturing companies are identified and a chronology of technology development through today is presented.

Validity of a trunk‐mounted accelerometer to assess peak accelerations during walking, jogging and running

“…Direct observation, physical activity questionnaires and body-mounted motion sensors are common techniques used to assess human movement (Bouten, Koekkoek, Verduin, Kodde, & Janssen, 1997). Accelerometers were first developed in the 1920s (Walter, 1999) and specifically designed in the 1950s to measure human movement accelerations (Saunders, Inman, & Eberhart, 1953). In field-based settings, measuring human movement using accelerometers is preferred as acceleration is proportional to external force and therefore reflects the frequency and intensity of the movements performed (Yang & Hsu, 2010).…”

Extreme health sensing: the challenges, technologies, and strategies for active health sustainment of military personnel during training and combat missions

“…In 1902 Willem Einthoven, a Dutch physician, published the first accurate electrocardiogram data using a modified wire coil galvanometer 15 and in 1928 the first portable version (weighing 22.7 kg and powered by a 6-volt automobile battery) was created by the Sanborn Company 16 . Accelerometers made their debut when McCollum and Peters developed a resistance-bridge accelerometer based on a Wheatstone half-bridge 17 which was commercialized in 1923 for use in bridges, dynamometers, and aircraft 18 . Initial models weighed around 450 grams and measured about 2 x 5 x 22 cm.…”