Signal transducer devices, systems, and methods

Abstract

Various braking devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the braking device includes a support element, a block of friction material supported by the support element, at least one piezoceramic sensor supported by the support element and interposed between the block of friction material (and the support element, and a protective element located at the piezoceramic sensor and embedding the latter. The protective element can have one or more layers of resin-based material applied to protect the piezoceramic sensor and direct a predetermined part of the external compression force onto an area of the support element surrounding the piezoceramic sensor. In some embodiments, a signal transduction device is provided and includes at least one piezoceramic sensor supported on a support element and has an integral protective coating having properties of mechanical and temperature resistance.

The following is claimed: 
     
         1 . A signal transduction device comprising:
 a support element;   a piezoceramic sensor supported by the support element, the piezoceramic sensor comprising a piezoceramic material; and   a protective element covering a portion of the piezoceramic sensor, the protective element having an elastic modulus that is less than or equal to an elastic modulus of the piezoceramic material of the piezoceramic sensor,   wherein the piezoceramic sensor is enclosed by the protective element and the support element.   
     
     
         2 . The signal transduction device according to  claim 1 , wherein the protective element is configured to dampen a force applied to the protective element such that a force received by the piezoceramic sensor is less than the force applied to the protective element. 
     
     
         3 . The signal transduction device according to  claim 1 , wherein the protective element comprises a resin-based material or a ceramic material. 
     
     
         4 . The signal transduction device according to  claim 3 , wherein the resin-based material comprises a material selected from polyimide resins, epoxy resins, Bismaleimide resins and Cyanate-Ester resins. 
     
     
         5 . The signal transduction device according to  claim 1 , wherein the protective element is configured to at least one of thermally insulate and electrically insulate.