Patent ID: 6091317
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
Classification: G01K

Abstract:
A sensor assembly comprising:a thermistor;a first lead frame including a first terminal portion, a first pocket portion, and a first rigid arm portion extending in a longitudinal direction therebetween, with the first pocket portion shaped to form a U-shaped section having flexible sides relative to the first rigid arm portion for generating a spring load therebetween and having the thermistor mounted therein in electrical contact therewith;a second lead frame including a second terminal portion, a second pocket portion, and a second rigid arm portion extending in a longitudinal direction therebetween, with the second pocket portion shaped to form a U-shaped section having flexible sides relative to the second rigid arm portion for generating a spring load therebetween and having the thermistor mounted therein in electrical contact therewith;a sensor housing formed in a U-shape having an opening therein and molded around a portion of the first and the second lead frames said U-shape and said U-shaped sections opening in opposite directions to each other;means for retaining the thermistor in the first and the second pockets; andsaid U-shaped sections opening in a direction parallel to said longitudinal direction of the respective first and second arm portions and away from the respective terminal portions, said thermistor, said U-shaped sections and a part of said rigid arm portions located in the opening.