Transducer systems with overload protection
First Claim
1. A method of providing overload protection for a diaphragm having a deflectable diaphragm portion surrounded by a stationary diaphragm portion and connectable to a sensor, comprising in combination the steps of:
- making a core of insulating material for supporting said sensor and being movable relative to said deflectable diaphragm portion;
supporting said sensor on said core;
inserting said core into said stationary diaphragm portion for connection of said deflectable diaphragm portion to said sensor, but maintaining said core movable in said stationary diaphragm portion;
establishing a mechanical interconnection between said deflectable diaphragm portion and said movable core;
rendering said core stationary relative to said diaphragm; and
removing said mechanical interconnection by establishing between said deflectable diaphragm portion and said core a gap corresponding to a predetermined maximum diaphragm deflection, while maintaining said core stationary relative to said diaphragm.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A transducer diaphragm overload protection system provides a core of insulating material for supporting a sensor and being movable relative to a deflectable diaphragm portion, and establishes a mechanical interconnection between that deflectable portion of the diaphragm and that movable core, while that core is in a movable condition. The movable core is rendered stationary relative to the diaphragm, and the mechanical interconnection is removed by establishing between the deflectable diaphragm portion and the core a gap corresponding to a predetermined diaphragm deflection, while maintaining the core stationary relative to the diaphragm. Advantageously, in pressure transducers having a ceramic core for supporting the transducer sensor, the desired gap may then be established by locating a dissolvable shim between the core and the diaphragm, while such core is movable, and by thereafter dissolving such shim after the core has become set in the transducer. Alternatively, the diaphragm may be deflected by application of an overpressure, whereby the core is moved into the desired position, and the necessary gap may thereafter be established by relaxing the diaphragm after the core has become set in the transducer.
15 Citations
40 Claims
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1. A method of providing overload protection for a diaphragm having a deflectable diaphragm portion surrounded by a stationary diaphragm portion and connectable to a sensor, comprising in combination the steps of:
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making a core of insulating material for supporting said sensor and being movable relative to said deflectable diaphragm portion; supporting said sensor on said core; inserting said core into said stationary diaphragm portion for connection of said deflectable diaphragm portion to said sensor, but maintaining said core movable in said stationary diaphragm portion; establishing a mechanical interconnection between said deflectable diaphragm portion and said movable core; rendering said core stationary relative to said diaphragm; and removing said mechanical interconnection by establishing between said deflectable diaphragm portion and said core a gap corresponding to a predetermined maximum diaphragm deflection, while maintaining said core stationary relative to said diaphragm. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of providing overload protection for a pressure transducer including a diaphragm having a deflectable diaphragm portion surrounded by a stationary diaphragm portion, and a ceramic core supporting a sensor connectable to said diaphragm, comprising in combination the steps of:
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rendering said core movable relative to said diaphragm; establishing a mechanical interconnection between said deflectable diaphragm portion and said movable core, and connecting said sensor to said diaphragm; rendering said movable core stationary relative to said diaphragm; and removing said mechanical interconnection by establishing between said deflectable diaphragm portion and said core a gap corresponding to a predetermined maximum diaphragm deflection, while maintaining said core stationary relative to said diaphragm. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. An overload protection for a diaphragm having a deflectable diaphragm portion surrounded by a stationary diaphragm portion and connectable to a sensor, in apparatus containing a core positioned by a method comprising in combination the steps of:
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making said core of insulating material for supporting said sensor and making said core movable relative to said deflectable diaphragm portion; supporting said sensor on said core; inserting said core into said stationary diaphragm portion for connection of said deflectable diaphragm portion to said sensor, but maintaining said core movable in said stationary diaphragm portion; establishing a mechanical interconnection between said deflectable diaphragm portion and said movable core while said core is in a movable condition; rendering said movable core stationary relative to said diaphragm; and removing said mechanical interconnection by establishing between said deflectable diaphragm portion and said core a gap corresponding to a predetermined maximum diaphragm deflection, while maintaining said core stationary relative to said diaphragm. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. An overload protection for a pressure transducer including a diaphragm having a deflectable diaphragm portion surrounded by a stationary diaphragm portion, and a sensor supported on a core positioned by a method comprising in combination the steps of:
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rendering said core movable relative to said diaphragm; establishing a mechanical interconnection between said deflectable diaphragm portion and said movable core, and connecting said sensor to said diaphragm; rendering said movable core stationary relative to said diaphragm; and removing said mechanical interconnection by establishing between said deflectable diaphragm portion and said core a gap corresponding to a predetermined maximum diaphragm deflection, while maintaining said core stationary relative to said diaphragm. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40)
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Specification