Patent ID: 6532834
Filing Date: 2003-03-18
Classification: G01L

Abstract:
A sensor for measuring a pressure applied to an elastic member having at least a first substantially planar, conductive surface and being supported by at least one edge, comprising:a housing for supporting said elastic member by said edge, forming (i) a controlled pressure chamber disposed on a first side of said elastic member corresponding to said first planar surface, and (ii) a variable pressure region disposed on a second side of said elastic member opposite said first side; an electrically conductive, capacitive plate disposed substantially adjacent to said elastic member so as to define a gap between said first planar surface and a corresponding planar surface of said capacitive plate, said gap, capacitive plate and elastic member defining a capacitor having a characteristic capacitance; and, an elongated electrical conductor characterized by an associated inductance value and fixedly attached, along a substantial portion of its entire length, to said capacitive plate; wherein said capacitor and said elongated electrical conductor are electrically coupled to form a resonant tank circuit, and wherein said gap varies as a predetermined function of said pressure so as to vary said characteristic capacitance, and consequently vary a resonant frequency of said tank circuit.