Annual shear element with radial preload
AssigneeKistler Instrument Corporation
InventorsMichael D. Insalaco, Jeffrey M. Schnellinger, Andrew Crawford
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Abstract
A sensor including a center post extending along the sensing axis of the sensor, a piezoelectric sensing element concentrically engaging the center post, and a preload element preloading the piezoelectric element radially outward to the axis. The center post includes a recess along the axis and the first preload element is in the recess and preloads the piezoelectric element radially outward. The sensor may include a mass concentrically engaging the piezoelectric element. The sensor senses acceleration, force or pressure.
Claims13
A sensor for sensing acceleration, pressure or force along an axis comprising:
- a center support including a recess extending along the axis;
- a piezoelectric element concentrically engaging the center support and extending along the axis;
- a preload element in the recess and preloading the piezoelectric element radially outward to the axis.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.