FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a magnetostrictive transmitter, and, more particularly, to a sensor assembly for a magnetostrictive transmitter with a piezoelectric crystal including a groove for receiving a magnetostrictive wire.

BACKGROUND

Magnetostrictive transmitters are known. Known magnetostrictive transmitters include a piezoelectric crystal. Known magnetostrictive transmitters also include a magnetostrictive wire. Difficulties can arise in the piezoelectric crystal sensing movement of the magnetostrictive wire.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a sensor assembly for a magnetostrictive transmitter.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor assembly for a magnetostrictive transmitter comprises a holder, a substrate, a piezoelectric crystal, and a magnetostrictive wire. The holder is formed from a non-conductive material. The holder includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The holder further includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The substrate is formed from a non-conductive material. The substrate includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The substrate further includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The substrate is operable to be received in the holder with the outer surface of the substrate opposing the inner surface of the holder. The piezoelectric crystal includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The piezoelectric crystal further includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The piezoelectric crystal further includes a groove extending in the inner surface from the upper surface through the lower surface. The piezoelectric crystal is operable to be mounted to the substrate with the outer surface of the piezoelectric crystal opposing the inner surface of the substrate. The magnetostrictive wire includes an upper end and a lower end. A portion of the magnetostrictive wire is operable to be received in the groove in the inner surface of the piezoelectric crystal.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor assembly for a magnetostrictive transmitter comprises a holder, a pair of substrates, a pair of piezoelectric crystals, and a magnetostrictive wire. The holder is formed from a non-conductive material. The holder includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The holder further includes an upper surface and a lower surface. Each substrate is formed from a non-conductive material. Each substrate includes an inner surface and an outer surface. Each substrate further includes an upper surface and a lower surface. Each substrate is operable to be received in the holder with the outer surface of each substrate opposing the inner surface of the holder and with the inner surface of one substrate opposing the inner surface of the other substrate. Each piezoelectric crystal includes an inner surface and an outer surface. Each piezoelectric crystal further includes an upper surface and a lower surface. Each piezoelectric crystal further includes a groove extending in the inner surface from the upper surface through the lower surface. Each piezoelectric crystal is operable to be mounted to one substrate with the outer surface of each piezoelectric crystal opposing the inner surface of one substrate and with the inner surface of one piezoelectric crystal opposing the inner surface of the other piezoelectric crystal. The magnetostrictive wire includes an upper end and a lower end. A portion of the magnetostrictive wire is operable to be received in the groove in the inner surface of each piezoelectric crystal.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor assembly for a magnetostrictive transmitter comprises a holder, a substrate, a piezoelectric crystal, and a magnetostrictive wire. The holder is formed from a non-conductive material. The holder includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The holder further includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The substrate is formed from a non-conductive material. The substrate includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The substrate further includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The substrate is operable to be received in the holder with the outer surface of the substrate opposing the inner surface of the holder. The piezoelectric crystal includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The piezoelectric crystal further includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The piezoelectric crystal further includes a groove extending in the inner surface from the upper surface through the lower surface. The piezoelectric crystal is operable to be mounted to the substrate with the outer surface of the piezoelectric crystal opposing the inner surface of the substrate. The magnetostrictive wire includes an upper end and a lower end. A portion of the magnetostrictive wire is operable to be received in the groove in the inner surface of the piezoelectric crystal. The portion of the magnetostrictive wire is in contact with the groove in the inner surface of the piezoelectric crystal.

