Differential pressure transducer

Abstract

First and second pressure sensitive diaphragm assemblies are mutually spaced at a substantially constant distance by a rigid member, whereby the diaphragm assemblies flex in unison in response to imposed pressure differentials. A longitudinally rigid but transversely flexible and resilient means such as a strut wire couples the diaphragm assemblies with a deflectable motion sensing means such as a cantilever beam bearing at least one strain gage. The coupling means flexingly accommodates to normal transverse deflection movements made by the motion sensing means, thereby significantly reducing both the strain on the motion sensing means and distortions in the readout obtained therefrom. In a preferred embodiment a hollow tube is employed to space the diaphragm assemblies. A motion sensing beam projects inwardly through an opening in the tube and is joined therein to a strut wire which extends inside the tube from one of the diaphragm assemblies. The strut wire flexes transversely when the diaphragm assemblies flex to a new position, permitting the beam to move in a normal arcuate path.