Method for sensing pressure in an object

摘要

A method for sensing pressure within a work object including placing an electrically deformable member on the work object so as to cover a portion of the surface area thereof; applying electrical energy to the member to cause the member to deform thereby applying pressure to the portion of the surface of the work object; and sensing the tension in the member as a result of the amount of resistance to deformation imparted by the pressure within the work object. An apparatus for sensing pressure within a work object including a member adapted to be disposed in overlaying relation to a portion of the surface area of the work object; an energizing system connected to the member for causing the member to deform so as to apply pressure to the surface area of the work object when disposed in overlaying relation to the work object to, in turn, cause the surface area of the work object to deform; and a detecting system operable to detect the magnitude of the deformation of the surface area of the work object as an indication of the pressure within the work object.