Force sensor assembly with integrated rigid, movable interface for transferring force to a responsive medium

A force sensor assembly for sensing externally applied force comprising:

• a housing body having a first surface, a second surface, a first compartment, a second compartment in communication with the first compartment, and a third compartment in communication with the second compartment;
• a platform coupled to the housing body first surface;
• a pressure sensor disposed on the platform and in communication with the housing body third compartment;
• a retainer body, coupled to the housing body second surface, and having an orifice opening to the housing body third compartment;
• a pressure transmission material disposed in at least the second and third housing body compartments;
• a diaphragm, disposed in the housing body first compartment, having a first surface in communication with the pressure transmission material and having a second surface opposite the first surface;
• and
• a solid, rigid interface disposed through the retainer body orifice, the solid interface being movably captured by the retainer body, wherein the retainer body substantially restricts lateral displacement of the solid interface and permits captured, longitudinal movement, and the solid, rigid interface having a first surface to receive the externally applied force and a second surface in contact with the diaphragm second surface to exert force, corresponding to the externally applied force, through the diaphragm and the pressure transmission material to the pressure sensor.

A method comprising the steps of:

• retaining at least a portion of a rigid interface within a housing to substantially prevent lateral displacement of the rigid interface while allowing captured, longitudinal movement of the rigid interface;
• applying a force to the rigid interface to translate the rigid interface;
• generating a generally symmetric force distribution within a pressure transmission medium filling a chamber within the housing, wherein the generally symmetric force distribution corresponds to the force applied to the rigid interface;
• transmitting a force corresponding to the force applied to the rigid interface, via the pressure transmission medium, to a pressure sensor disposed within the housing;
• and
• providing an output from the pressure sensor corresponding to the applied force.

A force sensor assembly for measuring a force applied through a flexible wall, the force sensor assembly comprising:

• a housing having a cavity and a retainer;
• a housing having a cavity and a retainer;
• a pressure transmission solution filling the cavity;
• a rigid interface captured by the retainer and having substantially restricted lateral freedom of movement, the interface having a rigid first surface to receive the force applied through the flexible wall, the interface further having a rigid second surface to provide a generally symmetric force distribution within the pressure transmission solution corresponding to the applied force;
• and
• a pressure sensor in contact with the pressure transmission solution.