Acoustic sensor and array thereof
US5982708A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 29, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 29, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG10K9/125
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides an acoustic sensor having one or more segments that are electrically coupled to provide a response corresponding to a hydrodynamic pressure applied to the segments. Each segment contains a substrate of a desired shape with a concavity on an outer surface that is sealingly enclosed by an active member made from a flexible, resilient piezoelectric material. PVDF material is preferably used as the piezoelectric active element. The active element may be bonded to a compliant diaphragm sealed to the substrate to provide the sealed chamber. The active member is covered with a protective layer of a suitable material, preferably a polyvinyl material. In one embodiment, the diaphragm includes a standoff ledge and is placed on the outer surface of the substrate to define the sealed chamber between the diaphragm and the outer surface of the substrate. In another embodiment, at least two substrates are used and a damping material is placed between the substrates wherein one substrate includes a concavity on an outer surface for defining the sealed chamber. In still another embodiment, the diaphragm having the standoff ledge is used with the at least two substrate…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.