Patent ID: 6487911
Filing Date: 2002-12-03
Classification: G01L

Abstract:
A fluid pressure sensor comprisinga base assembly having a base member having a bottom wall and an upstanding sidewall defining an electronics chamber and a plurality of elongated terminals, the base member mounting the plurality of elongated terminals in spaced apart relation extending through the base wall into the electronics chamber, a flexible circuit having a substrate formed with first and second lobe portions with an intermediate portion therebetween, the flexible circuit being bent into a generally U-shaped configuration having an inner surface for mounting electronic components and an outer surface with the first lobe portion formed with terminal receiving holes through which respective elongated terminal members extend, a capacitive fluid pressure sensing element shaped generally as a polyhedron having a substrate side and a pressure sensing side with terminal pads on the pressure sensing side thereof, the second lobe portion of the flexible circuit having an end portion bent generally perpendicular relative to the remainder of the second lobe portion in a direction away from the first lobe portion with the flexible circuit in the U-shaped configuration, and formed with terminal pads thereon, the capacitive pressure sensing element received on the outer surface of the second lobe portion engaging the bent end thereof, electrically conductive, generally U-shaped edge clips having first and second legs, the first legs engaging respective terminal pads on the inner surface of the second lobe portion and the second legs engaging respective terminal pads on the pressure sensing side of the capacitive pressure sensing element, outer peripheral portions of the substrate side of the capacitive pressure sensing element received on a top surface portion of the base member sidewall, a cover member received over the capacitive pressure sensing element on the top surface of the base member, the cover member having a fluid pressure receiving opening therethrough, and a flexible annular gasket disposed between the cover member and the capacitive pressure sensing element, and a fluid coupling member attached to the base member.