High range pressure sensor for pressure gauge

Abstract

A sensor element suitable for sensing pressure values of fluid pressure at high pressure ranges on the order of 40,000 psi and above and comprised of a predetermined length of a closed end tube which at zero applied pressure is of rectilinear configuration. The tube contains a round bore eccentrically disposed parallel within the tube having one end open at which to receive fluid pressure. By virtue of the eccentric relationship of the bore to the tube, an internal bending moment occurs under pressure loading that is proportional to the applied pressure and which bending moment causes the free closed end of the tube to deflect in a direction opposite to the direction to the which the bore was predisposed with respect to the OD center line of the tube. In a preferred embodiment, the unsupported free length of the tube is at least about 20 times the tube OD and for operating at the high pressure ranges, the tube is of a metal composition characterized by relatively high tensile yield strength in combination with a relatively low Young's elastic modulus. Various applications for use of the tube are disclosed including a pressure gauge, switch mechanism, etc.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.