Transducer system for detecting changes in applied forces

Abstract

Abstract THE PRESENT TRANSDUCER SYSTEM EMPLOYS A PIEZO-ELECTRIC DEVICE WHICH IS FORMED IN A LOOP OR AN ENDLESS-BELT CONFIGURATION AND WHICH IS POLARIZED RADIALLY WITH RESPECT TO THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS OF SAID LOOP, I.E., POLARIZED FROM THE INSIDE SURFACE OF SAID LOOP TOWARD THE OUTSIDE SURFACE THEREOF. THE PIEZO-ELECTRIC DEVICE IS FORMED TO BE FITTED CIRCUMFERENTIALLY WITH A FLUID CONTAINER OR FLUID CARRYING CONDUIT OR A SOLID BAR IN SUCH A FASHION THAT ANY CHANGES IN PRESSURE IN THE FLUID OR FORCES APPLIED TO THE BAR WILL CAUSE STRAINS IN THE DIRECTION OF THE RADIAL POLARIZATION, I.E., PERPENDICULAR TO THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS OR FLOW PATH OF THE CONDUIT. THE RESULTING RADIAL STRAIN GENERATES A VOLTAGE WHICH IS PROPORTIONAL TO THE CHANGE IN PRESSURE OF THE FLUID OR THE CHANGE IN THE APPLIED FORCE TO THE BAR BEING MONITORED. THE SYSTEM PROVIDES A MEANS FOR DETECTING THE "STRAIN GENERATED VOLTAGE" AND ACCORDINGLY INITIATES MONITORING OR CONTROL SIGNALS IN RESPONSE THERETO.

Inventors

• 👤 Vernon F Alibert
• 👤 Thomas H Carey

Bibliographic Details