Electrical sensor assembly

Abstract

A sensor assembly includes: a connecting rod extending along a longitudinal axis; and a tubular body extending along the longitudinal axis and at least partially surrounding the connecting rod such that the tubular body is radially spaced from the connecting rod. The tubular body includes: a first skirt portion; a first plurality of cantilevered tabs extending from the first skirt portion in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis; a second skirt portion; and a second plurality of cantilevered tabs extending from the second skirt portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Italian Patent Application No. 102018000011149, filed on December 17, 2018, and Italian Utility Model Application No. 202018000003944, filed on December 17, 2018, the entire contents of both applications are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an electric sensor assembly preferably intended for use in power transformers, electrical cabinets and other similar structures, which enables detection of an electric field generated by an energized connecting rod, for example detection of a voltage value of the connecting rod related to the detected electric field.

[0004] More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a sensor assembly that can detect the electric field generated by a connecting rod without being affected by any surrounding electric fields, such as fields generated by other conductors arranged nearby. Background Art

[0005] Electrical sensor assemblies of the above-mentioned type are known but suffer from a number of disadvantages.

[0006] A first disadvantage is that the known sensor assembly does not allow the electric field generated by the connecting rod to be detected without being influenced by other surrounding fields.

[0007] A second disadvantage is that the known sensor assembly is somewhat bulky.

[0008] A third disadvantage is that the known sensor assemblies do not allow for measuring the electric field and / or the associated magnitude with sufficient accuracy.

[0009] A fourth disadvantage is that the known sensor assembly is not immune to surrounding electric fields, for example generated by other conductors arranged nearby.

[0010] A fifth disadvantage is that the known sensor assemblies do not allow the electric field and / or the associated magnitude to be measured with sufficient accuracy in the presence of temperature changes.

[0011] A sixth disadvantage is that the known sensor assemblies do not retain the technical characteristics required to perform the function of the sensor assembly and / or maintain the required safety level (partial discharges, separation, rapid aging, etc.) over time.

[0012] A seventh disadvantage is that the known sensor assembly is complex and expensive to manufacture.

[0013] An eighth disadvantage is that, in the known sensor assembly, the dielectric material resin placed around the components of the sensor assembly has cavities (bubbles), which can lead to undesired partial discharges.

[0014] A ninth disadvantage is that, in the known sensor assembly, the resin separates from the elements comprising the capacitive sensor, which may lead to undesirable partial discharges.

[0015] A tenth disadvantage is that in the known sensor assembly, the resin is not fully bonded and / or adhered to and / or connected to the components forming the sensor assembly and therefore, aging can cause the resin to become separated from the components, which can lead to undesirable partial discharges. This disadvantage is particularly common in the case of sensor assemblies used in environments where the operating temperature (hot / cold) changes cyclically. Summary of the invention

[0016] A sensor assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure may advantageously address one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0017] For example, in one aspect, the present disclosure provides a sensor assembly, the sensor assembly comprising: a connecting rod extending along a longitudinal axis; and a tubular body extending along the longitudinal axis and at least partially surrounding the connecting rod, such that the tubular body is radially spaced from the connecting rod. The tubular body comprises: a first skirt portion; a first plurality of cantilevered tabs extending from the first skirt portion in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis; a second skirt portion; and a second plurality of cantilevered tabs extending from the second skirt portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0018] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a sensor assembly, the sensor assembly comprising: a connecting rod extending along a longitudinal axis; and a tubular body extending along the longitudinal axis and at least partially surrounding the connecting rod, so that the tubular body is radially spaced from the connecting rod. The tubular body comprises: a support member made of an insulating material, the support member comprising an inner surface and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface; an electric field sensor, the electric field sensor comprising a first conductive material layer disposed on the inner surface of the support member, the electric field sensor being configured to detect an electric field generated by the connecting rod; a first electric shield, the first electric shield comprising a second conductive material layer disposed on the outer surface of the support member, the first electric shield being configured to protect the electric field sensor from external electrical interference; and a plurality of cantilevered tabs, the plurality of cantilevered tabs having a first tab and a second tab, the second tab being spaced from the first tab to define a through hole between the first tab and the second tab. The through hole extends through the support member, the first layer, and the second layer.

[0019] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a sensor assembly comprising a tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis. The tubular body comprises: a support member made of an insulating material; a first conductive material layer disposed on an inner surface of the support member; a second conductive material layer disposed on an outer surface of the support member; a first skirt portion; a first plurality of cantilevered tabs extending from the first skirt portion in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis; a second skirt portion; a second plurality of cantilevered tabs extending from the second skirt portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a connecting segment extending between and interconnecting the first skirt portion and the second skirt portion.

[0020] Other features and aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a sensor assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 1A yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a tubular body in an embodiment of the present invention lying flat;

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a sensor assembly according to the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 2A yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a tubular body in an embodiment of the present invention lying flat;

[0025] Before explaining any embodiment of the present disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the construction details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or shown in the following figures. The present disclosure can have other embodiments and can be practiced or carried out in various ways. Moreover, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be considered as limiting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] refer to Figure 1-2A According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electric sensor assembly extends along a first longitudinal axis Y1 and basically includes: a connecting rod B extending longitudinally along a corresponding second longitudinal axis Y2; a tubular body extending longitudinally along a third longitudinal axis Y3; a large amount of dielectric material 40 designed to at least partially surround the components of the sensor assembly; in the electric sensor assembly, the tubular body is coaxially positioned around the central connecting rod B and radially spaced apart from the central connecting rod B; in the electric sensor assembly, the tubular body has one or more cantilevered tabs 15.1, 15.1a, 15.1b, 15.1c / 15.2, 15.2a, 15.2b, 15.2c.

[0027] With particular reference to the tubular body, the tubular body may include a first tubular section 10.1 / 10.2, the first tubular section comprising: a first self-supporting tubular layered element or structural member 11.1 / 11.2, the first self-supporting tubular layered element or structural member being made of an insulating material; a first thin layer of conductive material 12.1 / 12.2, the first thin layer of conductive material being applied to one or more inner surfaces of the first self-supporting tubular layered element 11.1 / 11.2; and a second thin layer of conductive material 13.1 / 13.2, the second thin layer of conductive material being applied to one or more outer surfaces of the first self-supporting tubular layered element 11.1 / 11.2.

[0028] The first self-supporting tubular laminar element 11.1 / 11.2 may act as a support structure for the layer of conductive material.The first thin layer of conductive material 12.1 / 12.2 may act as an electric field sensor and more specifically may detect the electric field generated by the connecting rod B by way of capacitive coupling between said rod B and said layer 12.1 / 12.2.

[0029] The second thin layer of conductive material 13.1 / 13.2 can act as an electrical shield, for example by being grounded or connected to a known potential, and more specifically, acts as an electrical shield capable of protecting or shielding the electric field sensor formed by the first thin layer of conductive material 12.1 / 12.2 from external electric fields, such as electric field lines generated by any current-carrying conductor arranged outside the tubular body.

[0030] The tubular body and / or the first tubular section 10.1 / 10.2 may include a skirt M.1 / M.2 and a plurality of cantilevered tabs 15.1 / 15.2 extending from the skirt M.1 / M.2. In the illustrated embodiment, the skirt M.1 / M.2 includes a first skirt portion M.1a / M.2a and a second skirt portion M.1b / M.2b disposed at an opposite end of the first tubular section 10. One or more cantilevered tabs 15.1, 15.1a, 15.1b / 15.2b (e.g., a first plurality of tabs) may extend from the first skirt portion M.1a / M.2a in a first direction parallel to the axis Y1 / Y2 / Y3, and one or more cantilevered tabs 15.1c / 15.2a, 15.2c (e.g., a second plurality of tabs) may extend from the second skirt portion M.1b / M.2b in a second direction generally opposite to the first direction ( Figure 1 and 2 In some embodiments, the tubular body and / or the first tubular section 10.1 / 10.2 may include one or more connecting segments 22.1 / 22.2 extending between the first skirt portion and the second skirt portion M.1a, M.1b / M.2a, M.2b and interconnecting the first skirt portion and the second skirt portion.

[0031] The edge of the tab 15.1c / 15.2c is spaced apart from the connecting section 22.1 / 22.2 by a distance D3.1 / D3.2 so as to form a first through-opening 18.1a / 18.2a which is preferably wide enough to allow the dielectric material resin in a liquid / paste state to pass and / or flow through the first through-opening.

[0032] The tabs 15.1a, 15.1b / 15.2a, 15.2b can be positioned side by side, such as Figure 2-2A As shown, preferably, the edge of the first splice 15.1a / 15.2a is circumferentially spaced apart by a distance D4.1 / D4.2 from the edge of the second splice 15.1b / 15.2b positioned next to the first splice 15.1a / 15.2a so as to form a second through-opening 17.1 / 17.2, which is preferably wide enough to allow the dielectric material resin in a liquid / paste state to pass through and / or flow through the second through-opening 17.1 / 17.2.

[0033] refer to Figure 1 and 1A , the tabs 15.1b and 15.1c can be positioned against each other with their respective free ends arranged end to end and preferably axially spaced apart from each other so as to form a third through-opening 19.1, which is preferably wide enough to enable the dielectric material resin in a liquid / paste state to pass and / or flow through the third through-opening 19.1.

[0034] refer to Figure 2 and 2A , the tabs 15.2a, 15.2b, 15.2c may be positioned side by side with their respective free ends positioned against each other, wherein the respective free ends of one or more tabs 15.2a, 15.2b, 15.2c are rounded.

[0035] refer to Figure 1-2A , the tabs 15.1, 15.1a, 15.1b, 15.1c / 15.2, 15.2a, 15.2b, 15.2c are preferably flexible and also preferably have a degree of flexibility chosen taking into account the shrinkage characteristics of the resin used in casting, so as to follow the shrinkage of the resin occurring during the curing phase of said resin.

[0036] The tubular body provided with cantilevered tabs 15.1, 15.1a, 15.1b, 15.1c / 15.2, 15.2a, 15.2b, 15.2c can be made in various ways and / or using various materials without thereby exceeding the scope of the inventive concept covered by the present disclosure, for example using a preformed tube having one or more layers that is machined to form tabs, using separate and / or one or more metal sheets, meshes, using conductive materials or electrically insulating materials.

[0037] Specific reference Figure 1A and 2A The first tubular section 10.1 / 10.2 can preferably be made of a single conductive double-sided Vetronite board (e.g. double-sided copper Vetronite board - PCB), for example, by photolithography or mechanical grinding etching (e.g. Figure 1A and 2A ) and then wrapped into a tube (as Figure 1 and 2 As shown), wherein the conductive double-sided Vitex board (e.g., a double-sided copper Vitex board - PCB) comprises a Vitex sheet 11.1 / 11.2 capable of forming a self-supporting tubular body, an inner layer 12.1 / 12.2 of conductive material capable of forming an electric field sensor, and an outer layer 13.1 / 13.2 of conductive material capable of forming an electrical shield and preferably grounded.

[0038] The sensor assembly according to the present disclosure may also include: a second tubular segment 20.1 / 20.2, which can act as an electrical shield and is axially positioned next to the first axial end 10sx of the first tubular segment 10.1 / 10.2; and a third tubular segment 30.1 / 30.2, which can also perform the function of electrical shielding and is axially positioned next to the second axial end 10dx of the first tubular segment 10.1 / 10.2.

[0039] The second tubular section 20.1 / 20.2 and / or the third tubular section 30.1 / 30.2 may be made of a wire mesh. Preferably, the second tubular section 20.1 / 20.2 and / or the third tubular section 30.1 / 30.2 is associated with the first tubular section 10.1 / 10.2 or connected to the first tubular section using a connecting member (such as a fastening attachment 16.1sx, 16.1dx / 16.2sx, 16.2dx).

[0040] If desired, the first tubular section 10.1 / 10.2 and / or the second tubular section 20.1 / 20.2 and / or the third tubular section 30.1 / 30.2 may have one or more further fourth through openings 14.1, 21.1, 31.1 / 14.2, 21.2, 31.2, which are preferably wide enough to allow the dielectric material resin in a liquid / paste state to pass through and / or flow through the further fourth through openings. Again, if desired, the second tubular section 20.1 / 20.2 and / or the third tubular section 30.1 / 30.2 may also perform the function of an electric field sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of a voltage on the connecting rod B.

[0041] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, there are variations and modifications within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the present disclosure as described. In addition, some aspects of the present disclosure may include but are not limited to:

[0042] Aspect 1. A sensor assembly relating to a through-isolator, wherein the sensor assembly extends along a first longitudinal axis (Y1), wherein the sensor assembly comprises: a connecting rod (B), the connecting rod extending longitudinally along a corresponding second longitudinal axis (Y2); a tubular body, the tubular body extending longitudinally along a third longitudinal axis (Y3); a large amount of dielectric material (40), the large amount of dielectric material being capable of being at least partially incorporated into the components of the sensor assembly; wherein the tubular body is coaxially positioned around the central connecting rod (B); wherein the tubular body is radially spaced apart relative to the central connecting rod (B); the sensor assembly is characterized in that the tubular body comprises one or more tabs (15.1, 15.1a, 15.1b, 15.1c / 15.2, 15.2a, 15.2b, 15.2c) supported in a cantilever manner.

[0043] Aspect 2. A sensor assembly relating to a through-isolator, wherein the sensor assembly extends along a first longitudinal axis (Y1), wherein the sensor assembly comprises: a connecting rod (B), wherein the connecting rod extends longitudinally along a corresponding second longitudinal axis (Y2); a tubular body, wherein the tubular body extends longitudinally along a third longitudinal axis (Y3); a large amount of dielectric material (40), wherein the large amount of dielectric material is capable of being at least partially incorporated into the components of the sensor assembly; wherein the tubular body is coaxially positioned around the central connecting rod (B); wherein the tubular body is radially spaced apart relative to the central connecting rod (B); the sensor assembly is characterized in that the tubular body comprises a first tubular section (10.1 / 10.2), wherein the first tubular section comprises: a first self-supporting tubular layered element (11.1 / 11.2), wherein the first self-supporting tubular layered element is made of an insulating material; a first thin layer of conductive material (12.1 / 12.2), wherein the first thin layer of conductive material is applied to the on one or more inner faces of a first self-supporting tubular layered element (11.1 / 11.2); a second thin layer of conductive material (13.1 / 13.2), which is applied to one or more outer faces of the first self-supporting tubular layered element (11.1 / 11.2); the sensor assembly is characterized in that the first self-supporting tubular layered element (11.1 / 11.2) is suitable for performing the function of a supporting structure; the sensor assembly is characterized in that the first thin layer of conductive material (12.1 / 12.2) can act as an electric field sensor; the sensor assembly is characterized in that the second thin layer of conductive material (13.1 / 13.2) can act as an electrical shield; and the sensor assembly is characterized in that the first tubular section (10.1 / 10.2) includes one or more tabs (15.1, 15.1a, 15.1b, 15.1c / 15.2, 15.2a, 15.2b, 15.2c) supported in a cantilever manner.

[0044] Aspect 3. A sensor assembly according to Aspect 1 or 2, characterized in that the tab (15.1c / 15.2c) has its edges spaced apart (D3.1, D3.2) relative to the skirt (M.1, M.2), and the skirt forms relative tubular sections (10.1, 10.2) to form a first through opening (18.1a, 18.2a).

[0045] Aspect 4. The sensor assembly according to Aspect 1 or 2 is characterized by comprising two or more tabs (15.1a, 15.1b / 15.2a, 15.2b), wherein the two or more tabs are positioned side by side with each other.

[0046] Aspect 5. A sensor assembly according to Aspect 4, characterized in that the edge of the first patch (15.1a / 15.2a) is spaced apart (D4.1, D4.2) relative to the edge of the second patch (15.1b / 15.2b) positioned adjacent to the first patch (15.1a / 15.2a) to form a second through-opening (17.1 / 17.2).

[0047] Aspect 6. The sensor assembly according to Aspect 1 or 2 is characterized in that it includes at least two tabs (15.1b, 15.1c), which are positioned relative to each other, and wherein the corresponding free ends of the at least two tabs are arranged head to head.

[0048] Aspect 7. The sensor assembly according to Aspect 6, characterized in that the free ends of the two tabs (15.1b, 15.1c) are spaced apart to form a third through-opening (19.1).

[0049] Aspect 8. The sensor assembly according to Aspect 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises at least two tabs (15.2a, 15.2b), the at least two tabs being positioned side by side, wherein the respective free ends are arranged relative to each other.

[0050] Aspect 9. The sensor assembly according to Aspect 1 or 2, characterized in that one or more tabs (15.2) have their corresponding free ends rounded.

[0051] Aspect 10. The sensor assembly according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that the tab (15.1 / 15.2) is flexible.

[0052] Aspect 11. The sensor assembly according to one of the preceding aspects is characterized in that the first tubular section (10.1 / 10.2) is made by means of a preformed double-sided pure copper PCB.

[0053] Aspect 12. A sensor assembly according to one of the previous aspects, characterized in that it further includes a second tubular section (20.1 / 20.2); the sensor assembly is characterized in that the second tubular section (20.1 / 20.1) is axially positioned on the side of the first axial end (10sx) of the first tubular section (10.1 / 10.2); and the sensor assembly is characterized in that the second tubular section (20.1 / 20.1) can act as an electrical shield.

[0054] Aspect 13. A sensor assembly according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that it further includes a third tubular section (30.1 / 30.2); the sensor assembly is characterized in that the third tubular section (30.1 / 30.2) is axially positioned on the side of the second axial end (10dx) of the first tubular section (10.1 / 10.2); and the sensor assembly is characterized in that the third tubular section (30.1 / 30.2) can act as an electrical shield.

[0055] Aspect 14. The sensor assembly according to Aspect 12 or 13, characterized in that the second tubular section (20.1 / 20.2) and / or the third tubular section (30.1 / 30.2) are associated with the first tubular section (10.1 / 10.2).

[0056] Aspect 15. The sensor assembly according to any one of Aspects 1 to 14, characterized in that the second tubular section (20.1 to 20.2) and / or the third tubular section (30.1 to 30.2) are made of a metal wire mesh.

[0057] Various features of the disclosure are set out in the following claims.

Claims

1. A sensor assembly comprising: A connecting rod extending along a longitudinal axis; as well as a tubular body extending along the longitudinal axis and at least partially surrounding the connecting rod such that the tubular body is radially spaced from the connecting rod, the tubular body comprising: a first skirt portion disposed at a first end of the tubular body; an electric field sensor comprising a first layer of conductive material disposed on an inner surface of a support member, the electric field sensor being configured to detect an electric field generated by the connecting rod; a first plurality of cantilevered tabs extending from the first skirt portion in a first direction away from the first end of the tubular body toward a center of the tubular body and parallel to the longitudinal axis; a second skirt portion disposed at a second end of the tubular body opposite the first end; as well as A second plurality of cantilevered tabs extend from the second skirt portion in a second direction opposite the first direction away from the second end of the tubular body toward a center of the tubular body and parallel to the longitudinal axis. 2 . The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the tubular body includes a connecting section extending between and interconnecting the first skirt portion and the second skirt portion. 3 . The sensor assembly of claim 2 , wherein a first tab of the first plurality of cantilevered tabs is spaced apart from the connecting segment to define a through hole therebetween. The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein each tab of the first plurality of cantilevered tabs includes a rounded free end. 5 . The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein each tab of the second plurality of cantilevered tabs includes a rounded free end.

6. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein a first tab of the first plurality of cantilevered tabs includes a first free end, wherein a second tab of the second plurality of cantilevered tabs includes a second free end, and wherein the first free end faces the second free end. 7 . The sensor assembly of claim 6 , wherein the first free end is spaced apart from the second free end to define a through hole therebetween. 8 . The sensor assembly of claim 1 , wherein a first tab of the first plurality of cantilevered tabs and a second tab of the second plurality of cantilevered tabs are spaced apart in a circumferential direction to define a through hole between the first tab and the second tab. 9 . The sensor assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a first shield coupled to the first skirt portion and a second shield coupled to the second skirt portion.

10. The sensor assembly of claim 9, wherein the first shield and the second shield are made of wire mesh.

11. A sensor assembly comprising: A connecting rod extending along a longitudinal axis; as well as a tubular body extending along the longitudinal axis and at least partially surrounding the connecting rod such that the tubular body is radially spaced from the connecting rod, the tubular body comprising: a first skirt portion; an electric field sensor comprising a first layer of conductive material disposed on an inner surface of a support member, the electric field sensor being configured to detect an electric field generated by the connecting rod; a first plurality of cantilevered tabs extending from the first skirt portion in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis; a second skirt portion; as well as a second plurality of cantilevered tabs extending from the second skirt portion in a second direction opposite the first direction, Each of the first plurality of cantilevered tabs and the second plurality of cantilevered tabs comprises a support member made of an insulating material, an inner layer made of a conductive material, and an outer layer made of a conductive material.

12. A sensor assembly comprising: A connecting rod extending along a longitudinal axis; a tubular body extending along the longitudinal axis and at least partially surrounding the connecting rod such that the tubular body is radially spaced from the connecting rod, the tubular body comprising: a first skirt portion; an electric field sensor comprising a first layer of conductive material disposed on an inner surface of a support member, the electric field sensor being configured to detect an electric field generated by the connecting rod; a first plurality of cantilevered tabs extending from the first skirt portion in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis; a second skirt portion; a second plurality of cantilevered tabs extending from the second skirt portion in a second direction opposite the first direction, and A volume of dielectric material at least partially encapsulates the tubular body.

13. A sensor assembly comprising: A connecting rod extending along a longitudinal axis; as well as a tubular body extending along the longitudinal axis and at least partially surrounding the connecting rod such that the tubular body is radially spaced from the connecting rod, the tubular body comprising: a support member, the support member being made of an insulating material, the support member comprising an inner surface and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface; an electric field sensor comprising a first layer of conductive material disposed on the inner surface of the support member, the electric field sensor being configured to detect an electric field generated by the connecting rod; a first electrical shield comprising a second layer of conductive material disposed on the outer surface of the support member, the first electrical shield being configured to protect the electric field sensor from external electrical interference; as well as a plurality of cantilevered tabs having a first tab and a second tab, the second tab being spaced apart from the first tab to define a through hole therebetween, wherein the first tab extends in a first direction away from the first end of the tubular body toward the center of the tubular body, and the second tab extends in an opposite second direction away from the second end of the tubular body toward the center of the tubular body, and The through hole extends through the support member, the first conductive material layer and the second conductive material layer.

14. The sensor assembly of claim 13, wherein each tab of the plurality of cantilevered tabs includes a rounded free end.

15. The sensor assembly of claim 13, wherein the first tab includes a first free end, wherein the second tab includes a second free end, and wherein the first free end faces the second free end. 16 . The sensor assembly of claim 13 , further comprising a second electrical shield coupled to the support member and a third electrical shield coupled to the support member opposite the second electrical shield.

17. A sensor assembly comprising: A connecting rod extending along the longitudinal axis; as well as a tubular body extending along the longitudinal axis and at least partially surrounding the connecting rod such that the tubular body is radially spaced from the connecting rod, the tubular body comprising: a support member, the support member being made of an insulating material, the support member comprising an inner surface and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface; an electric field sensor comprising a first layer of conductive material disposed on the inner surface of the support member, the electric field sensor being configured to detect an electric field generated by the connecting rod; a first electrical shield comprising a second layer of conductive material disposed on the outer surface of the support member, the first electrical shield being configured to protect the electric field sensor from external electrical interference; a plurality of cantilevered tabs having a first tab and a second tab spaced apart from the first tab to define a through hole therebetween, wherein the through hole extends through the support member, the first layer of conductive material, and the second layer of conductive material, and A volume of dielectric material at least partially encapsulates the tubular body.

18. A sensor assembly comprising: A tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis, the tubular body comprising: A support member, wherein the support member is made of an insulating material; an electric field sensor comprising a first layer of conductive material disposed on an inner surface of the support member, the electric field sensor being configured to detect an electric field generated by the connecting rod; a first conductive material layer disposed on an inner surface of the support member; a second conductive material layer disposed on an outer surface of the support member; a first skirt portion; a first plurality of cantilevered tabs extending from the first skirt portion in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis; a second skirt portion; a second plurality of cantilevered tabs extending from the second skirt portion in a second direction opposite the first direction; as well as A connecting section extends between and interconnects the first skirt portion and the second skirt portion.

19. The sensor assembly of claim 18, wherein a first patch of the first plurality of cantilevered patches is spaced apart from a second patch of the second plurality of cantilevered patches to define a through hole between the first patch and the second patch, the through hole extending through the support member, the first layer of conductive material, and the second layer of conductive material.

20. The sensor assembly of claim 19, wherein the first tab is circumferentially spaced from the second tab.

21. The sensor assembly of claim 19, wherein the first end of the first tab is axially spaced from the free end of the second tab.

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