Methods and apparatuses for providing freeze resistant sensing assembly

Methods and apparatuses related to freeze resistant sensing assemblies are provided. An example pressure sensing assembly may include: a first member defining an aperture, the aperture comprising an inner opening disposed on an inner surface of the first member and an outer opening disposed on an outer surface of the first member; a protection diaphragm disposed on the inner surface of the first member; and a sensing diaphragm disposed in a second member fastened to the first member.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to methods, apparatuses, and systems associated with sensing assemblies, and more particularly, to methods, apparatuses, and systems for providing freeze resistant sensing assemblies.

BACKGROUND

Sensors may detect and/or measure a physical property from a physical environment. For example, a pressure sensor may act as a transducer and may generate a signal as a function of the detected/measured pressure. Pressure sensors may be used in various applications. For example, pressure sensors may be used in connection with water pumps, paint sprayers, agricultural irrigation systems and natural gas drilling systems to detect and/or measure the water pressure.

However, existing sensors are plagued by challenges and limitations. Continuing from the above example, if the temperature drops below the freezing temperature, water inside these systems may freeze and become ice, causing a stress overload on the pressure sensor. As a result, the pressure sensor may be damaged, degraded, and/or may produce inaccurate readings.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, an example pressure sensing assembly may be provided. In some examples, the example pressure sensing assembly may comprise a first member comprising an aperture, a protection diaphragm, and a sensing diaphragm. In some examples, the aperture may define an inner opening disposed on an inner surface of the first member and an outer opening disposed on an outer surface of the first member. In some examples, the protection diaphragm may be disposed on the inner surface of the first member and may cover the inner opening of the aperture. In some examples, the sensing diaphragm may be disposed in a second member that is fastened to the first member. In some examples, the sensing diaphragm and the protection diaphragm may at least partially form a protection cavity.

In some examples, the first member may comprise a flow tunnel. In some examples, the flow tunnel may define a tunnel opening on the inner surface of the first member. In some examples, the protection diaphragm may comprise a diaphragm opening overlapping with the tunnel opening.

In some examples, the flow tunnel may be connected to the protection cavity through the tunnel opening. In some examples, the flow tunnel may receive a fluid substance.

In some examples, the protection diaphragm may reduce a force from the fluid substance when the fluid substance solidifies.

In some examples, the pressure sensing assembly may further comprise a header component disposed in the second member. In some examples, the header component and the sensing diaphragm may at least partially form a sensing cavity.

In some examples, the pressure sensing assembly may comprise a sensing die disposed in the sensing cavity. In some examples, the sensing die may be mounted on a surface of the header component.

In some examples, the pressure sensing assembly may comprise an isolation liquid disposed in the sensing cavity. In some examples, the pressure sensing assembly may comprise a liquid insert component disposed in the second member. In some examples, the liquid insert component may supply isolation liquid in the sensing cavity.

In some examples, the sensing cavity may be in a vacuum state.

In some examples, the sensing die may be electronically coupled to a sensing circuitry. In some examples, the sensing circuitry may comprise a Wheatstone bridge circuit.

In some examples, the sensing diaphragm may transfer a force from the fluid substance to a sensing die.

In some examples, the pressure sensing assembly may comprise a cap component attached to the sensing diaphragm. In some examples, the cap component may comprise at least one cap opening.

In some examples, the protection diaphragm may be welded on the first member.

In some examples, the protection diaphragm may be attached to the first member through an adhesive material.

In some examples, the second member may be fastened to the first member through threaded fitting.

In some examples, the pressure sensing assembly may comprise a third member that is fastened to the second member. In some examples, the third member may receive a power source.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, an example pressure sensing assembly may be provided. In some examples, the example pressure sensing assembly may comprise a flow tunnel disposed in a first member, at least one spring-loaded component, and a sensing diaphragm disposed in a second member. In some examples, the second member may be fastened to the first member. In some examples, the flow tunnel may comprise a tunnel opening on an inner surface of the first member. In some examples, the flow tunnel may receive a fluid substance. In some examples, the at least one spring-loaded component may be disposed on the inner surface of the first member surrounding the tunnel opening. In some examples, the at least one spring-loaded component and the sensing diaphragm may at least partially form a protection cavity to receive the fluid substance through the tunnel opening.

In some examples, the at least one spring-loaded component may reduce a force from the fluid substance when the fluid substance solidifies. In some examples, the at least one spring-loaded component comprises at least one spring component connected to a washer component.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, an example pressure sensing assembly may be provided. In some examples, the example pressure sensing assembly may comprise a flow tunnel disposed in a first member and a sensing diaphragm disposed in a second member. In some examples, the second member may be fastened to the first member. In some examples, the flow tunnel may receive a fluid substance and may comprise a tunnel opening on an inner surface of the first member. In some examples, the inner surface of the first member and the sensing diaphragm may at least partially form a protection cavity to receive the fluid substance through the tunnel opening. In some examples, the example pressure sensing assembly may comprise a bellows component disposed in the protection cavity.

In some examples, the bellows component may reduce a force from the fluid substance when the fluid substance solidifies.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the disclosure, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained in the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The term “electronically coupled” in the present disclosure refers to two or more components (for example, but not limited to, sensing die) and/or electric circuit(s) (for example, but not limited to, sensing circuitry) being connected through wired means (for example but not limited to, conductive wires or traces) and/or wireless means (for example but not limited to, electromagnetic field), such that data and/or information may be transmitted to and/or received from the components that are electronically coupled.

The term “sensing assembly” refers to a device or module that may detect events, changes, and/or stimulus (such as pressure, motion, sound, temperature) in its environment and generate an output. Example sensing assembly may include, but not limited to, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, ultrasound sensor, and/or the like.

As described above, sensing assembly may be in contact with a fluid substance which may, for example, be measured by the sensing assembly. When the temperature drops below the freezing temperature of the fluid substance, the fluid substance may solidify in and/or around the sensing assembly, as well as in the associated hardware interface (such as a pipe connected to the pressure sensor). The volumetric expansion during the fluid solidification (for example, water turning into ice) may cause excessive forces to be exerted both within internal portions of the sensing assembly as well as on external portions of the sensing assembly that are exposed to the fluid substance. In some examples, these excessive forces can be hundreds to thousands of times more than the maximum allowed pressure on the sensing assembly, leading to significant damage to the sensing assembly. For example, these forces may cause tears on the sensing assembly, which may in turn cause internal fluid to leak from the sensing assembly. As result, the sensing assembly may degrade and fail over time, producing inaccurate readings or no readings at all.

To address these challenges and limitations, a pressure sensor may comprise sealing liquid (for example, silicone gel, elastomer, or emulsified lubricant) that may isolate a sensing diaphragm of a pressure sensor from the fluid substance that the pressure sensor measures. In this example, the sealing liquid may displace air and seal a cavity that is at least partially formed by the sensing diaphragm, thus preventing fluid substance from contacting the sensing diaphragm and settling in the cavity. Once injected, the sealing liquid may adhere to the inner walls of the cavity and may form a thin skin on the surface of the cavity to prevent itself from leaking out of the cavity when the pressure sensor is mounted in an upright position. When pressure from the fluid substance is introduced, the sealing liquid may serve as a transmission medium, exerting a force upon the sensing diaphragm equal to the force exerted upon the sealing liquid by the fluid sub stance.

However, with the addition of sealing liquid, the pressure sensor may not be suitable for low pressure sensing. In addition, the sealing liquid may degrade with continuing exposure to the fluid substance. Further, pressure transferred through the sealing liquid may have an offset error, which may cause repeatability variation and response time delay.

In contrast, various examples of the present disclosure may overcome these challenges and limitations. For example, an example sensing assembly may include a protection diaphragm that may absorb and/or reduce the expansion force during fluid solidification and prevent damage to the sensing assembly.

Referring now toFIG. 1AandFIG. 1B, various example views of an example apparatus in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In the example shown inFIG. 1AandFIG. 1B, the example apparatus may take the form of an example pressure sensing assembly100.

FIG. 1Aillustrates an example exploded view of the example pressure sensing assembly100.

In some examples, the pressure sensing assembly100may comprise a first member107. In the example shown inFIG. 1A, the first member107may be in the form of a port connector that may connect and/or secure the pressure sensing assembly100to a hardware interface. The term “hardware interfaces” refers to structure or architecture that may connect two apparatus together. Example hardware interfaces may include, but not limited to, tubes, pipes, vents and/or the like.

In some examples, the first member107may comprise one or more fastening mechanisms to enable a secured connection between the first member107and the hardware interface. Example fastening mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, mechanical fastening mechanisms (such as threaded fitting or threaded coupling), magnetic fastening mechanisms (such as through magnetic field), material flexing mechanisms (such as tire coupling), and/or the like.

For example, the first member107may comprise a plurality of threads on an inner surface (i.e. female threaded fitting) and/or a plurality of threads an outer surface (i.e. male threaded fitting). In this example, the corresponding hardware interface (for example, a tube) may comprise corresponding threads on its outer surface to be fastened with the threads on the inner surface of the first member107. Additionally, or alternatively, the corresponding hardware interface may comprise corresponding threads on its inner surface to be fastened with the threads on the outer surface of the first member107. In other words, the first member107may be fastened and/or secured to the hardware interface through threaded fitting so that substance to be measured (for example, water in a water pipe) may flow from the hardware interface to the pressure sensing assembly100.

In some examples, the first member107may be in a shape corresponding to the hardware interface that the pressure sensing assembly100is designed to be connected to. For example, the first member107may be in a hollow cylindrical shape so that the pressure sensing assembly100may be connected to a water pipe. In some examples, the first member107may be in other shapes, such as, but not limited to, a prism shape, a polyhedron shape, a cone shape, and/or the like.

In some examples, the first member107may comprise stainless steel material. Additionally, or alternatively, other materials may be used, including, but not limited to, carbon steel, aluminum, cooper, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and/or the like.

In the example shown inFIG. 1A, the pressure sensing assembly100may, additionally or alternatively, comprise a second member103. In some examples, the second member103may comprise a housing component117(as shown inFIG. 1B) that may provide an enclosure for one or more mechanical components and/or electronic components, such as, but not limited to, a sensing diaphragm119(as shown inFIG. 1B), a sensing die113(as shown inFIG. 1B), and/or one or more sensing circuitries. Example details of these components are described in connection with at leastFIG. 1B.

Similar to the first member107described above, the second member103may comprise one or more fastening mechanisms to enable a secured connection between the second member103and the first member107. Example fastening mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, mechanical fastening mechanisms (such as threaded fitting or threaded coupling), magnetic fastening mechanisms (such as through magnetic field), material flexing mechanisms (such as tire coupling), and/or the like.

For example, the second member103may be fastened and/or secured to the first member107through threaded fittings, similar to the example fastening mechanisms between the first member107and the hardware interface described above. As another example, the second member103may be in the form of a threaded coupler that connects the first member107and the third member101. As another example, the second member103may comprise a lip portion protruding from the circumference of the second member103, and the first member107may comprise a corresponding groove portion on the circumference of the first member107. In this example, the second member103may be fastened and/or secured to the first member107through lip and groove mating. Additionally, or alternatively, the second member103may comprise other fastening mechanisms that may provide a secured connection to the first member107and/or the third member101.

In some examples, the second member103may be in a hexagon ring shape. In some examples, the second member103may be in other shapes, such as, but not limited to, a cube shape, a sphere shape, a pyramid shape, and/or the like.

In some examples, the second member103may comprise stainless steel material. Additionally, or alternatively, other materials may be used, including, but not limited to, carbon steel, aluminum, cooper, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and/or the like.

In the example shown inFIG. 1A, the pressure sensing assembly100may, additionally or alternatively, comprise a third member101. In some examples, the third member101may connect one or more mechanical components and/or electronic components in the second member103to one or more components that are external to the pressure sensing assembly100.

For example, the third member101may receive a power source to supply power to, for example, the electronic components disposed in the second member103. In this example, the third member101may comprise an electrical connector (such as a power plug). Additionally, or alternatively, the third member101may comprise data communication means (such as wired or wireless means) to transfer data and/or information between the electronic components disposed in the second member103and components external to the pressure sensing assembly100(such as a microcontroller).

In some examples, the third member101may comprise one or more fastening mechanisms to enable a secured connection between the third member101and the second member103. Example fastening mechanisms may include, but are not limited to, mechanical fastening mechanisms (such as threaded fitting or threaded coupling), magnetic fastening mechanisms (such as through magnetic field), material flexing mechanisms (such as tire coupling), and/or the like. For example, the third member101may be fastened to the second member103through a lip and groove mating, similar to the example fastening mechanisms between the second member103and the first member107described above.

In some examples, the third member101may be in a hollow cylindrical shape. In some examples, the third member101may be in other shapes, such as, but not limited to, a cube shape, a sphere shape, a pyramid shape, and/or the like.

In some examples, the third member101may comprise stainless steel material. Additionally, or alternatively, other materials may be used, including, but not limited to, carbon steel, aluminum, cooper, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and/or the like.

In the example shown inFIG. 1A, the pressure sensing assembly100may comprise a protection diaphragm105. In some examples, the protection diaphragm105may be disposed on an inner surface of the first member107, example details of which are described in connection with at leastFIG. 1B.

While the example illustrated inFIG. 1Amay include three separate members (i.e. the first member107, the second member103, and the third member101), it is noted that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to three separate members only. Examples in accordance with the present disclosure may include fewer than or more than three separate members. For example, the first member107may be integrated with the second member103to form a single member. Additionally, or alternatively, the second member103may be integrated with the third member101to form a single member. Additionally, or alternatively, additional member(s) may be included in examples of the present disclosure.

Referring now toFIG. 1B, an example sectional view of the example pressure sensing assembly100is illustrated.

In some examples, the pressure sensing assembly100may comprise a flow tunnel135disposed in the first member107. As described above, the first member107may connect and/or secure the pressure sensing assembly100to a hardware interface so that a fluid substance may flow into and be in contact with the pressure sensing assembly100. For example, the first member107may be connected to a tube through one or more fastening mechanisms (for example, threaded fitting as described above) and may measure the pressure of a fluid substance in a tube. In this example, after the first member107is connected to the tube, the flow tunnel135may receive the fluid substance from the tube.

In some examples, the flow tunnel135may comprise a tunnel opening on an inner surface of the first member107. Continuing from the above example, after the flow tunnel135receives the fluid substance from the tube, the fluid substance may flow through the tunnel opening onto the inner surface of the first member107. In some examples, the tunnel opening may allow mechanical components and/or electronic components within the pressure sensing assembly100to detect and/or measure the pressure of the fluid substance, example details of which are described herein.

As described above, the first member107may be fastened to the second member103. In the example shown inFIG. 1B, the second member103may comprise a housing component117that may provide a lip portion, and the first member107may comprise a corresponding grove portion. In this example, the second member103and the first member107may be fastened through lip and groove mating. As another example, the second member103may comprise a threaded end that may provide a secured connection to the first member107through threaded fitting.

Continuing from the above example, as the flow tunnel135may comprise a tunnel opening on an inner surface of the first member107, and the first member107may be fastened to the second member103, the fluid substance received from the flow tunnel135may be in contact with an inner surface of the second member103.

In some examples, the pressure sensing assembly100may comprise a sensing diaphragm119disposed in the second member103. For example, the sensing diaphragm119may be disposed on an inner surface of the second member103. In some examples, the sensing diaphragm119may be welded on the inner surface of the second member103. In some examples, the sensing diaphragm119may be attached to the second member103through an adhesive material. Example adhesive material may include, but not limited to, cyanoacrylate adhesives, polyurethane glue, and/or the like.

In some examples, the sensing diaphragm119may be in the form of a membrane that may seal and/or isolate a sensing cavity121from the fluid substance received from the flow tunnel135. For example, the inner surface of the second member103may comprise a sensing opening, and the sensing diaphragm119may cover the sensing opening. The sensing diaphragm119may provide part of inner wall for the sensing cavity121and may at least partially form the sensing cavity121.

In some examples, the sensing diaphragm119may comprise material having durability characteristics, including, but not limited to, stainless steel, titanium, and/or the like. In some examples, the sensing diaphragm119may comprise material having flexibility characteristics, including, but not limited to, elastomers.

In some examples, the sensing diaphragm119may be a convoluted diaphragm. For example, the sensing diaphragm119may be in a circular shape, and may have a molded curved section that is concentric with the circumference of the sensing diaphragm119. In some examples, the sensing diaphragm119may be a non-convoluted diaphragm having a flat surface.

Referring back toFIG. 1B, the second member103may comprise a header component111disposed in the second member103. In some examples, the header component111may comprise material having durability characteristics, including, but not limited to, titanium, stainless steel, and/or the like.

The header component111and the sensing diaphragm119may at least partially form a sensing cavity121. For example, a surface of the header component111may provide part of inner wall for the sensing cavity121. In some examples, the pressure sensing assembly100may comprise an isolation liquid disposed in the sensing cavity121. The isolation liquid may comprise, for example, silicon oil. Additionally, or alternatively, the isolation liquid may comprise other substance, including, but not limited to, paraffin, liquid crystal polymer, and/or the like.

In some examples, the pressure sensing assembly100may comprise a liquid insert component115disposed in the second member103. In such examples, the liquid insert component115may comprise an insert opening, and may supply the isolation liquid into the sensing cavity121.

In some examples, the sensing cavity121may be air-evacuated. In such examples, the entire sensing cavity121may be filled with the isolation liquid. In some examples, the sensing cavity121may be in a vacuum state. In such examples, the sensing cavity121may be devoid of the isolation liquid or any other matter.

In some examples, the pressure sensing assembly100may comprise a sensing die113. The sensing die113may be mounted on a surface of the header component111and may be disposed in the sensing cavity121. As described above, the sensing cavity121may be filled with isolation liquid. In this example, the sensing die113may be submerged in the isolation liquid.

As described above, the sensing diaphragm119may seal and/or otherwise isolate the sensing cavity121from the fluid substance received from the flow tunnel135. To detect and/or measure the pressure of the fluid substance, the sensing diaphragm119may transfer a force from the fluid substance to a sensing die113through, for example, the isolation fluid disposed in the sensing cavity121. For example, when the fluid substance contacts the sensing diaphragm119, the pressure from the fluid substance may be exerted on the sensing diaphragm119. As described above, the sensing diaphragm119may be a convoluted diaphragm, which may allow a greater diaphragm travel when pressure is applied as compared to that of a non-convoluted diaphragm. The sensing diaphragm119may at least particularly form the sensing cavity121, and the isolation liquid may be disposed in the sensing cavity121, which may serve as transmission fluid that may transfer pressure from the sensing diaphragm119to the sensing die113.

In some examples, the sensing die113may be a strain gauge that may generate signals corresponding to the detected pressure. For example, the sensing die113may be a silicon sensor die that may measure pressure based on the piezo-resistive effect. In this example, the sensing die113may comprise a silicon diaphragm. When mechanical pressure is applied on the silicon diaphragm, electrical resistivity of the sensing die113may change.

In some examples, the sensing die113may be electronically coupled to a sensing circuitry. In some examples, the sensing circuitry may comprise a network of resistors that may transform the change of electrical resistivity into an electrical signal that may be proportional to the mechanical pressure.

For example, the sensing circuitry may comprise a Wheatstone bridge circuit. The Wheatstone bridge circuit may cause electric current to run through the sensing die113. As described above, when pressure is applied on the sensing die113, electrical resistivity may change proportional to the pressure applied. When the electrical resistivity changes, less electric current may pass through the sensing die113. The Wheatstone bridge circuitry may detect this change and may generate a signal that is proportional to the pressure.

In some examples, the sensing circuitry may be disposed on a surface of the header component111that may be opposite to the surface where the sensing die113is disposed. In other words, the sensing circuitry may be disposed outside the sensing cavity121. In such example, the header component111may isolate the sensing circuitry from the pressure in the sensing cavity121so as to protect the electronic components in the sensing circuitry. As described above, the header component111may at least partially form the sensing cavity121, and may comprise material having durability characteristics (such as stainless steel). In this example, when an impact force is transferred from the fluid substance to the isolation fluid in the sensing cavity121and further to the header component111, the header component111may absorb and/or reduce the impact force.

In some examples, the third member101may connect the sensing circuitry to one or more components external to the pressure sensing assembly100. For example, the third member101may connect the sensing circuitry to a microcontroller. Additionally, or alternatively, the third member101may receive a power source and supply power to the sensing circuitry. In some examples, the third member101may comprise springs109that may provide structural support.

In some examples, one or more additional circuitry may be electronically coupled to the sensing circuitry. For example, the pressure sensing assembly100may comprise external signal conditioning circuitry that is electronically coupled to the sensing circuitry. In some examples, various electronic components of the sensing circuitry and/or other circuitry may be calibrated and temperature-compensated for improving reading accuracy.

In some examples, the pressure sensing assembly100may comprise a cap component123. The cap component123may be attached to the sensing diaphragm119and may comprise at least one cap opening. In some examples, when the pressure sensing assembly100is not in use, the cap component123may isolate the sensing diaphragm119from outside substance to protect the sensing diaphragm119.

Continuing from the example above, when the temperature drops below the freezing temperature of the fluid substance, the fluid substance may solidify. During the solidification process, excessive forces may be exerted on a sensing diaphragm of an example pressure sensing assembly, which may cause tears on the sensing diaphragm and leaking of the isolation fluid from the sensing cavity. In this regard, example embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise the protection diaphragm105disposed on the inner surface of the first member107.

In some examples, the protection diaphragm105may be welded on the first member107. For example, the protection diaphragm105may be welded on the first member107at weld joints127and129. In some examples, the protection diaphragm105may be attached to the first member107via adhesive material. Example adhesive material may include, but not limited to, cyanoacrylate adhesives, polyurethane glue, and/or the like.

In some examples, the protection diaphragm105may comprise material having durability characteristics, including, but not limited to, stainless steel, titanium, and/or the like. In some examples, the protection diaphragm105may comprise material having flexibility characteristics, including, but not limited to, elastomers.

In the example shown inFIG. 1B, the first member107may define at least one aperture, such as aperture125. The aperture125may comprise an inner opening133disposed on an inner surface of the first member107, as well as an outer opening131disposed on an outer surface of the first member107. In some examples, the protection diaphragm105may cover the inner opening133of the aperture125.

In some examples, the sensing diaphragm119and the protection diaphragm105may at least partially form a protection cavity137. In other words, a surface of the sensing diaphragm119and a surface of the protection diaphragm105may provide inner wall for the protection cavity137.

In some examples, the flow tunnel135may be connected to the protection cavity137through the tunnel opening on the inner surface of the first member107. In some examples, the protection diaphragm105may comprise a diaphragm opening that may overlap or otherwise engage with the tunnel opening on the inner surface of the first member107.

In some examples, the protection diaphragm105may be in a ring shape and have the diaphragm opening at the center, as well as convolutions on a surface of the protection diaphragm105that surround the diaphragm opening. In some examples, the protection diaphragm105may be welded at two locations of first member107, as shown inFIG. 1B. As an example, the protection diaphragm105may be in a shape similar to an annulus, where the protection diaphragm105may comprise two concentric shapes: an inner circular shape and an outer circular shape. In some examples, the protection diaphragm105may be in other shapes that are concentric with each other, such as, but not limited to, an inner elliptical shape and an outer circular shape; an inner square shape and an outer circular shape; an inner triangular shape and an outer circular shape; and/or the like.

Continuing from the example above, the fluid substance may be received from the flow tunnel135to the protection cavity137through the tunnel opening and diaphragm opening. In instances in which the temperature drops below the freezing temperature of the fluid substance, the protection diaphragm105may absorb and/or reduce a force from the fluid substance as the fluid substance solidifies in the protection cavity137.

For example, in instances in which ice forms within the protection cavity137, an expansion force of the ice formation may be exerted upon the sensing diaphragm119and the protection diaphragm105. The protection diaphragm105may expand in the aperture125, which may absorb and/or reduce the expansion force. In some examples, the protection diaphragm105may push air out of the protection cavity137through the outer opening131of the aperture125and/or may expand through the aperture125. As such, the protection diaphragm105may reduce stress on the sensing diaphragm119caused by the solidification of the fluid substance in the protection cavity137, and may prevent damage to the sensing diaphragm119.

As such, various embodiments of the present disclosure may overcome challenges and limitations associated with pressure sensors without causing degradation of the sensing diaphragm or impact on reliability, repeatability and accuracy of the sensor. In some examples, sensor replacement due to damage on the sensing diaphragm may be avoided, which may reduce the maintenance cost associated with the sensor.

In some examples, example pressure sensing assemblies in accordance with various embodiments may be used in a variety of industrial applications that may require improved accuracy and repeatability, such as, but not limited to, water pump, air compressor, and/or Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. In some examples, example pressure sensing assemblies may provide compact sizes with improved ruggedness and durability, which may be used for providing discrete pressure measurement in fuel, gas, water, etc. In some examples, example pressure sensing assemblies may be suitable for environmental conditions that may suffer from hostile vibration, external shock, and/or extreme temperature.

Referring now toFIG. 2, an example view of an example apparatus in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In the example embodiment shown inFIG. 2, the example apparatus may take the form of an example pressure sensing assembly200.

Similar to the pressure sensing assembly100described above in connection withFIG. 1AandFIG. 1B, the pressure sensing assembly200may comprise a flow tunnel235disposed in a first member207. The flow tunnel235may receive a fluid substance, the pressure of which is to be measured by the pressure sensing assembly200. As shown inFIG. 2, the flow tunnel235may comprise a tunnel opening on an inner surface of the first member207.

In some examples, the pressure sensing assembly200may comprise at least one force absorbing component231disposed on the inner surface of the first member207. In some examples, the at least one force absorbing component231may be disposed on the inner surface surrounding the tunnel opening. In some examples, the at least one force absorbing component231may comprise silicone gels. Additionally, or alternatively, other materials may be used for the at least one force absorbing component231.

In some examples, the inner surface of the first member207may comprise at least one sunken portion (for example, sunken portions239and241shown inFIG. 2), which may be at a lower level than the surrounding area on the inner surface. In some examples, the at least one force absorbing component231may be disposed in the at least one sunken portion.

In some examples, the pressure sensing assembly200may comprise a sensing diaphragm219disposed in a second member203, similar to those of the pressure sensing assembly100described above in connection withFIG. 1AandFIG. 1B. In some examples, the second member203may be fastened to the first member207, similar to those of the pressure sensing assembly100described above in connection withFIG. 1AandFIG. 1B.

In some examples, the at least one force absorbing component231and the sensing diaphragm219may at least partially form a protection cavity237. In some examples, the flow tunnel235may be connected to the protection cavity237through the tunnel opening disposed on the inner surface of the first member207, and the protection cavity237may receive the fluid substance through the tunnel opening.

In some examples, when the temperature drops below the freezing temperature of the fluid substance, the at least one force absorbing component231may absorb and/or reduce a force from the fluid substance as the fluid substance solidifies in the protection cavity237. For example, in instances in which ice forms within the protection cavity137, an expansion force of the ice formation may be exerted upon the sensing diaphragm219and the at least one force absorbing component231(which may comprise silicone gel). The at least one force absorbing component231may dampen the force from the fluid substance, which may reduce the force on the sensing diaphragm219. As such, the example pressure sensing assembly200may reduce the stress on the sensing diaphragm219caused by the solidification of the fluid substance.

Referring now toFIG. 3, an example view of an example apparatus in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In the example embodiment shown inFIG. 3, the example apparatus may take the form of an example pressure sensing assembly300.

Similar to the pressure sensing assembly200described above in connection withFIG. 2, the pressure sensing assembly300may comprise a flow tunnel335disposed in a first member307. The flow tunnel335may receive a fluid substance, the pressure of which is to be measured by the pressure sensing assembly300. As shown inFIG. 3, the flow tunnel335may comprise a tunnel opening on an inner surface of the first member307.

In some examples, the pressure sensing assembly300may comprise at least one spring-loaded component339disposed on the inner surface of the first member307. In some examples, the at least one spring-loaded component339may be disposed on the inner surface surrounding the tunnel opening.

In some examples, the at least one spring-loaded component339may comprise at least one spring component, such as a coil spring. In some examples, the at least one spring component may be connected to a washer component333, which may be a thin plate comprising stainless steel and/or other materials.

In some examples, the inner surface of the first member307may comprise at least one sunken portion (for example, sunken portions341and343shown inFIG. 3), which may be at a lower level than the surrounding area on the inner surface. In some examples, the at least one spring-loaded component339may be disposed in the at least one sunken portion. For example, the at least one spring-loaded component339may comprise at least one o-ring331, which may comprise flexible material (such as elastomer) in the shape of a torus. In such an example, the at least one o-ring331may be attached to the periphery of the washer component333. The at least one o-ring331, together with the washer component333, may isolate and/or otherwise seal the sunken portion of the inner surface.

In some examples, the at least one spring-loaded component339may be welded on the inner surface of the first member307. For example, each spring of the at least one spring-loaded component339may be welded on the inner surface of the first member307. In some examples, the at least one spring-loaded component339may be attached to the inner surface of the first member307through an adhesive material.

In some examples, the pressure sensing assembly300may comprise a sensing diaphragm319disposed in a second member303, similar to those of the pressure sensing assembly200described above in connection withFIG. 2. In some examples, the second member303may be fastened to the first member307, similar to those of the pressure sensing assembly200described above in connection withFIG. 2.

In some examples, the at least one spring-loaded component339and the sensing diaphragm319may at least partially form a protection cavity337. In some examples, the flow tunnel335may be connected to the protection cavity337through the tunnel opening disposed on the inner surface of the first member307, and the protection cavity337may receive the fluid substance through the tunnel opening.

In some examples, when the temperature drops below the freezing temperature of the fluid substance, the at least one spring-loaded component339may absorb and/or reduce a force from the fluid substance as the fluid substance solidifies in the protection cavity337. For example, in instances in which ice forms within the protection cavity137, an expansion force of the ice formation may be exerted upon the sensing diaphragm219and the washer component333of the at least one spring-loaded component339. The at least one spring-loaded component339may compress, which may absorb and/or reduce the stress on the sensing diaphragm319caused by the solidification of the fluid substance.

Referring now toFIG. 4, an example view of an example apparatus in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In the example embodiment shown inFIG. 4, the example apparatus may take the form of an example pressure sensing assembly400.

Similar to the pressure sensing assembly300described above in connection withFIG. 3, the pressure sensing assembly400may comprise a flow tunnel435disposed in a first member407. The flow tunnel435may receive a fluid substance, the pressure of which is to be measured by the pressure sensing assembly400. As shown inFIG. 4, the flow tunnel435may comprise a tunnel opening on an inner surface of the first member407.

In some examples, the pressure sensing assembly400may comprise a sensing diaphragm419disposed in a second member403, similar to those of the pressure sensing assembly300described above in connection withFIG. 3. In some examples, the second member403may be fastened to the first member407, similar to those of the pressure sensing assembly300described above in connection withFIG. 3.

In some examples, the inner surface of the first member407and the sensing diaphragm419may at least partially form a protection cavity437. In some examples, the flow tunnel435may be connected to the protection cavity437through the tunnel opening disposed on the inner surface of the first member407, and the protection cavity437may receive the fluid substance through the tunnel opening.

In some examples, the pressure sensing assembly400may comprise at least one bellows component431disposed in the protection cavity437. In some examples, the at least one bellows component431may comprise a metal bellows, which may be an elastic vessel that may be compressed when pressure is applied.

In some examples, the at least one bellows component431may be welded on the inner surface of the first member307. For example, the at least one bellows component431may be welded in an axial direction that is perpendicular to an axial direction of the flow tunnel435on an inner surface of the first member407(for example, on an inner surface of a protection cavity). In some examples, the at least one bellows component431may be attached to an inner surface of the first member407(for example, to an inner surface of a protection cavity) through an adhesive material.

In some examples, when the temperature drops below the freezing temperature of the fluid substance, the at least one bellows component431may absorb and/or reduce a force from the fluid substance as the fluid substance solidifies in the protection cavity437. For example, when forced is applied on the at least one bellows component431, the at least one bellows component431may compress and absorb and/or reduce the force, and may reduce the stress on the sensing diaphragm419caused by the solidification of the fluid substance.

While the examples shown inFIG. 1A,FIG. 1B,FIG. 2,FIG. 3, andFIG. 4illustrate example pressure sensing assemblies, it is noted that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to pressure sensing assemblies only. For example, the protection diaphragm may be implemented in any sensing assembly that may comprise a sensing diaphragm and may be in contact with a fluid substance, including, but not limited to, ultrasound sensing assemblies.

Referring now toFIG. 5, a method500in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. For example, the method500may illustrate examples of manufacturing and/or assembling example sensing assemblies in accordance with the present disclosure.

The method500may starts at block501.

At block503, the method500may comprise disposing a protection diaphragm on an inner surface of a first member, such as the protection diaphragm105disposed on the inner surface of the first member107as illustrated above in connection withFIG. 1AandFIG. 1B. In some examples, the protection diaphragm105may be welded on the inner surface of the first member107, as described above. In some examples, the protection diaphragm105may be attached to the inner surface of the first member107through an adhesive material, as described above.

At block505, the method500may comprise fastening a second member to the first member. For example, as illustrated in connection withFIG. 1AandFIG. 1B, the second member103may be fastened to the first member107through one or more fastening mechanisms. Once the second member103is fastened to the first member107, the protection diaphragm105may at least partially form the protection cavity137for protecting the sensing diaphragm119on the second member103from excessive stress, as described above.

At block507, the method500may comprise fastening a third member to the second member. For example, as illustrated in connection withFIG. 1AandFIG. 1B, the third member101may be fastened to the second member103through one or more fastening mechanisms. Once the third member101is fastened to the second member103, the third member101may, for example, connect one or more mechanical components and/or electronic components in the second member103to one or more components external to the pressure sensing assembly100, as described above.

The method500may end at block509.