Particulate matter sensor with an insulating air gap

Abstract

An electrode assembly for a particulate matter sensor in a gas environment. The electrode assembly includes an insulating tube, a conductor, and a positioning structure. The insulating tube has an outer surface and defines an interior cavity with an interior surface. The conductor is disposed within the interior cavity of the insulating tube. The conductor is electrically coupled to an electrode at a first end of the insulating tube and includes a contact portion at a second end of the insulating tube for connection to an external conductor. The positioning structure is coupled to the conductor. The positioning structure mechanically supports the conductor at a distance from the interior surface of the insulating tube to at least partially define an air dielectric gap at approximately a heater location corresponding to a heater. The positioning structure has an outer diameter approximately equal to an inner diameter of the insulating tube and has an inner diameter approximately equal to an outer diameter of the conductor.