Method and apparatus for fabricating a pressure-wave sensor with a leveling support element
First Claim
1. A pressure-waveform sensor comprising:
- a housing;
a support element; and
a piezoelectric element having a first end secured between the support element and the housing, and a second end in a cantilevered orientation;
wherein the support element and the piezoelectric element together form a plurality of support regions to level the piezoelectric element relative to the housing.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and an apparatus for fabricating a pressure-waveform sensor with a leveling support element. One embodiment provides a pressure-waveform sensor having a housing, a support element, and a piezoelectric element having a first end secured between the support element and the housing, and a second end in a cantilevered orientation. The support element and the piezoelectric element together form a plurality of support regions to level the piezoelectric element and relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the support element includes a ring having three slots spaced apart on one face of the ring, or one or more support regions formed with a shim having a thickness equal to a thickness of the piezoelectric device, or support regions that are integral to the support element. Another aspect provides a method for fabricating a pressure-waveform sensor. The method includes the steps of forming a housing structure with an inner lip, and supporting a cantilevered piezoelectric element with a support structure such that contact is made with the inner lip at a plurality of points in order to level the piezoelectric element relative to the inner lip.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A pressure-waveform sensor comprising:
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a housing;
a support element; and
a piezoelectric element having a first end secured between the support element and the housing, and a second end in a cantilevered orientation;
wherein the support element and the piezoelectric element together form a plurality of support regions to level the piezoelectric element relative to the housing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An arterial-pulse sensor comprising:
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a rigid housing having a diaphragm;
an electrical amplifier mounted within the housing;
a piezoelectric element mounted within the housing, mechanically coupled to the diaphragm, and electrically coupled to the amplifier; and
support means for leveling the piezoelectric element within the housing. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 20, 21)
a support element, wherein the piezoelectric element has a first end secured between the support element and the housing, and wherein the support means for leveling functions to level both the support element and the piezoelectric element within the housing.
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20. The sensor according to claim 18, wherein each one of the one or more shims has a rectangular cross-section.
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21. The sensor according to claim 18, wherein each one of the one or more shims has a cylindrical shape.
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19. A pressure-waveform sensor comprising:
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a housing;
a support element; and
a piezoelectric element having a first end secured between the support element and the housing, and a second end in a cantilevered orientation, wherein the support element has a plurality of slots, and the piezoelectric element is secured in one of the slots, and a shim is secured in each one of one or more others of the slots to level the piezoelectric element relative to the housing.
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22. A pressure-waveform sensor comprising:
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a housing;
a support element; and
a piezoelectric element having a first end secured between the support element and the housing, and a second end in a cantilevered orientation, wherein the support element has one or more raised areas and a slot, and the piezoelectric element is secured in the slot to level the piezoelectric element relative to the housing.
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Specification