Acoustic sensor assembly

摘要

An acoustic sensor is configured to provide accurate and robust measurement of bodily sounds under a variety of conditions, such as in noisy environments or in situations in which stress, strain, or movement may be imparted onto a sensor with respect to a patient. Embodiments of the sensor provide a conformable electrical shielding, as well as improved acoustic and mechanical coupling between the sensor and the measurement site.

主权项

1. An acoustic sensor assembly comprising: a frame at least partially defining an open cavity; a sensing element configured to output a signal responsive to acoustic vibrations, the sensing element supported by the frame, at least a portion of the sensing element comprising a piezoelectric material that is stretched in tension across the open cavity; electrical contacts electrically coupled with the sensing element and configured to convey an electrical signal corresponding to the signal responsive to the acoustic vibrations; an acoustic coupler supported by the frame and including an inner protrusion that extends into the open cavity and is positioned to apply pressure to at least the portion of the sensing element that is stretched in tension across the open cavity to push a section of the sensing element into the open cavity both when the acoustic sensor assembly is attached to a medical patient and when the acoustic sensor assembly is not attached to the medical patient, the acoustic coupler configured to transmit acoustic vibrations to the sensing element through the acoustic coupler when the acoustic sensor assembly is attached to the medical patient; and an elastic portion attached to the frame and extending at least partially beyond opposite sides of the frame, wherein the elastic portion is configured to apply a predetermined force to the frame through stretching of the elastic portion such that the acoustic sensor assembly is pressed against a measurement site of the medical patient when the acoustic sensor assembly is attached to the medical patient.