Environmentally sealed piezoelectric sensing assembly for electrical switch
US4618797A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 24, 1984 |
| Grant date | Oct 21, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 24, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K17/964
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An environmentally sealed sensing assembly for an electrical switch for use in adverse conditions such as a warm and humid location. The sensing assembly comprises a piezoelectric element carried by a relatively thin, flexible member supported at its edges within a recess formed in an enclosure. The enclosure includes a cavity in communication with the recess through a flow passage. A resiliently deformable encapsulating or potting material fills the recess, cavity, flow passage and any voids adjacent the piezoelectric element and the flexible member. Flexure of the flexible member through manual pressure or the like, to deform the piezoelectric element, is permitted by resilient deformation or "flow" of the potting compound. The potting material thus provides sealing while yet allowing mechanical movement of the flexible member and associated piezoelectric element. The resulting electrical signal caused by deformation of the piezoelectric element can be conditioned and used for switching electrical devices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.