Electrical sensor assembly

Abstract

An electrical 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 the first direction.

Description

Divisional application

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application with application number 201980083499.8. The application date of the above-mentioned Chinese patent application is December 17, 2019, and the name of the invention is "Electric Sensor Assembly". 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 undesirable 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 may preferably be made of a single conductive double-sided Vetronite board (eg double-sided copper Vetronite board - PCB), for example, by photolithography or mechanical grinding etching (eg Figure 1A and 2A ) and then wrapped into a tube (as Figure 1 and 2 As shown), 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 for 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 volume of dielectric material (40), the volume of dielectric material being capable of at least partially incorporating 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 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 for 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 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), the first tubular section comprising: a first self-supporting tubular layered element (11.1 / 11.2), the first self-supporting tubular layered element 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 the first one or more inner faces of a 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. The sensor assembly according to aspect 1 or 2, characterized in that the tab (15.1c / 15.2c) has its edge spaced apart (D3.1, D3.2) relative to the skirt (M.1, M.2), the skirt forming the relative tubular sections (10.1, 10.2) so as to form the first through opening (18.1a, 18.2a).

[0045] Aspect 4. The sensor assembly according to Aspect 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises 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. The sensor assembly according to aspect 4 is characterized in that the edge of the first tab (15.1a / 15.2a) is spaced apart (D4.1, D4.2) from the edge of the second tab (15.1b / 15.2b) located adjacent to the first tab (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, characterized in that it comprises at least two tabs (15.1b, 15.1c), the at least two tabs being positioned opposite to each other, wherein the respective free ends of the at least two tabs are arranged head to head.

[0048] Aspect 7. The sensor assembly according to Aspect 6 is 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 tabs (15.1 / 15.2) are flexible.

[0052] Aspect 11. The sensor assembly according to one of the preceding aspects, 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 any of the previous aspects, characterized in that it further comprises 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 to 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. The sensor assembly according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that it further comprises 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) is made of a metal wire mesh.

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

Claims

1. A sensor assembly, comprising: an electrode extending along a longitudinal axis; a tubular section extending along the longitudinal axis and at least partially surrounding the electrode such that the tubular section is radially spaced from the longitudinal axis and the electrode; as well as a mass of dielectric material extending along said longitudinal axis; Wherein, the tubular section comprises: A tubular support member comprising an electrically insulating material, the tubular support member having a first dimension extending along the longitudinal axis, wherein the tubular support member comprises a plurality of interconnected segments, each segment of the plurality of interconnected segments being circumferentially spaced from an adjacent segment to define a through opening therebetween, and wherein each segment of the plurality of interconnected segments extends outwardly in an axial direction from a center of the tubular support member, a free end of each segment being spaced from the center, wherein each through opening is configured to enable passage of the volume of dielectric material during a casting process, an inner conductive material disposed on an inner surface of the support member, wherein the inner conductive material has a second dimension extending along the longitudinal axis, a first tubular electrical shield extending in a direction along the longitudinal axis and disposed on an outer surface of the support member, wherein the first tubular electrical shield has a third dimension extending along the longitudinal axis and is electrically isolated from the inner conductive material, and wherein the first tubular electrical shield at least partially surrounds the electrode such that the first tubular electrical shield is radially spaced from the electrode, and a second tubular electrical shield extending beyond an axial end of the inner conductive member in a direction along the longitudinal axis, and wherein the second tubular shield is electrically isolated from the inner conductive material, and Wherein, the bulk of dielectric material at least partially surrounds the electrode and the tubular section, including surrounding the inner conductive material and the first and second tubular electrical shields.

2. The sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The second tubular electrical shield is configured as a metal mesh.

3. The sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The second tubular electrical shield is configured as a wire mesh.

4. The sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first size is greater than the second size.

5. The sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The third size is greater than the second size.

6. The sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The inner conductive material is configured as an electric field sensor to detect an electric field generated by the electrode.

7. The sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The tubular section includes a printed circuit board wrapped in a tubular shape.

8. The sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The inner conductive material is disposed on an inner surface of the support member.

9. The sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The inner conductive material at least partially surrounds the electrode such that the inner conductive material is radially spaced apart from the electrode.

10. The sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The first tubular electrical shield extends beyond an axial end of the inner conductive member in a direction along the longitudinal axis.

11. The sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The second tubular electrical shield at least partially surrounds the electrode such that the second tubular electrical shield is radially spaced from the electrode, and the second tubular electrical shield includes a plurality of through openings, each through opening being configured to enable passage of the volume of dielectric material during a casting process.

12. A sensor assembly comprising: a first electrode extending along a longitudinal axis; a mass of dielectric material extending along said longitudinal axis; A tubular electric field sensor comprising a tubular insulating support member and a tubular second electrode disposed within the tubular insulating support member, wherein the tubular electric field sensor comprises a plurality of interconnected flexible segments, each of the plurality of interconnected flexible segments being circumferentially spaced from an adjacent flexible segment to define a through opening therebetween, wherein each through opening is configured to enable the mass of dielectric material to pass therethrough during a casting process, wherein the tubular insulating support member has a first dimension extending along the longitudinal axis, and wherein the tubular second electrode at least partially surrounds the first electrode such that the tubular second electrode is radially spaced apart from the first electrode, the tubular second electrode having a second dimension extending along the longitudinal axis, and wherein the tubular second electrode is configured to function as an electric field sensor to form a capacitive coupling with the first electrode; and a first tubular electrical shield extending along the longitudinal axis and disposed outside of the tubular second electrode, wherein the first tubular electrical shield at least partially surrounds the first electrode such that the first tubular electrical shield is radially spaced apart from the first electrode and the tubular second electrode, and wherein the first tubular electrical shield is electrically isolated from the tubular second electrode; a second tubular electrical shield extending along the longitudinal axis beyond an axial end of the tubular second electrode, wherein the second tubular electrical shield at least partially surrounds the first electrode such that the second tubular electrical shield is radially spaced from the first electrode and electrically isolated from the tubular second electrode, and wherein the volume of dielectric material extends along the longitudinal axis and at least partially surrounds the first electrode, the tubular insulating support member, the tubular second electrode, and the first and second tubular electrical shields.

13. The sensor assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The second tubular electrical shield comprises a plurality of through openings, each through opening being configured to enable passage of the volume of dielectric material during a casting process.

14. A sensor assembly according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The first size is greater than the second size.

15. The sensor assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein: The first tubular electrical shield extends in an axial direction beyond an axial end of the tubular second electrode.

16. A sensor assembly comprising: a first electrode extending along a longitudinal axis; a mass of dielectric material extending along said longitudinal axis; A tubular electric field sensor, comprising a tubular insulating support member and a tubular second electrode disposed in the tubular insulating support member, wherein the tubular insulating support member has a first dimension extending along the longitudinal axis, wherein the tubular insulating support member at least partially surrounds the first electrode such that the tubular insulating support member is radially spaced apart from the first electrode, wherein the tubular insulating support member includes a first plurality of through-openings spaced apart circumferentially, and wherein each through-opening of the first plurality of through-openings is configured to enable the volume of dielectric material to pass therethrough during a casting process, and wherein the tubular second electrode at least partially surrounds the first electrode such that the tubular second electrode is radially spaced apart from the first electrode, the tubular second electrode having a second dimension extending along the longitudinal axis, and wherein the tubular second electrode is configured to function as an electric field sensor to form a capacitive coupling with the first electrode; a first tubular electric shield extending along the longitudinal axis beyond an axial end of the tubular second electrode and disposed outside of the tubular second electrode, the first tubular electric shield having a third dimension extending along the longitudinal axis, wherein the first tubular electric shield at least partially surrounds the first electrode and the tubular second electrode such that the first tubular electric shield is radially spaced apart from the first electrode and the tubular second electrode, and wherein the first tubular electric shield is electrically isolated from the tubular second electrode; and a second tubular electrical shield extending along the longitudinal axis beyond an axial end of the tubular second electrode, wherein the second tubular electrical shield at least partially surrounds the first electrode such that the second tubular electrical shield is radially spaced from the first electrode and electrically isolated from the tubular second electrode, Wherein the volume of dielectric material at least partially surrounds the first electrode, the tubular insulating support member, the tubular second electrode, and the first and second tubular electrical shields.

17. The sensor assembly of claim 16, wherein: The second tubular electrical shield comprises a second plurality of through openings, each through opening being configured to enable passage of the volume of dielectric material during a casting process.

18. A sensor assembly according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The second tubular electrical shield is a metal mesh.

19. A sensor assembly according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The second tubular electrical shield is a wire mesh.

20. The sensor assembly according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein: The first size is larger than the second size, and the third size is larger than the second size.

21. The sensor assembly according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein: Each through-opening of the first plurality of through-openings is configured as an elongated slit extending along the longitudinal axis.

22. The sensor assembly according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein: The first plurality of through-openings defines a plurality of interconnected flexible segments, each flexible segment of the plurality of interconnected flexible segments being circumferentially separated from an adjacent flexible segment by a through-opening of the first plurality of through-openings.

23. A sensor assembly comprising: a source electrode extending along the longitudinal axis, wherein the source electrode has a first axial length; a tubular section extending along the longitudinal axis and at least partially surrounding the source electrode such that the tubular section is radially spaced apart from the source electrode, wherein the tubular section has a first axial end and an opposite second axial end, and the source electrode extends through the first axial end and the second axial end, and the tubular section comprises: a plurality of segments positioned side by side in a circumferential manner about the longitudinal axis, wherein adjacent segments of the plurality of segments are spaced apart from one another in a circumferential manner about the longitudinal axis, wherein each segment comprises a first conductive material and a second conductive material, wherein the first conductive material is positioned closer to the longitudinal axis than the second conductive material, wherein the first conductive material is configured to form a capacitive coupling with the source electrode, and wherein the second conductive material is configured to shield the capacitive coupling from an external electric field, wherein the plurality of segments are located between a first axial end and a second axial end of the source electrode; and a volume of insulating material at least partially surrounding the source electrode and the tubular section, wherein spaces between adjacent segments of the plurality of segments are filled with the insulating material, and wherein the spaces extend longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis.

24. The sensor assembly of claim 23, wherein: Each segment has a radial thickness relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein the first conductive material and the second conductive material are layers of each segment that constitute the radial thickness.

25. A sensor assembly according to claim 23 or 24, wherein: An electrically insulating material is disposed between the first electrically conductive material and the second electrically conductive material of each segment.

26. The sensor assembly of claim 25, wherein: The electrically insulating material is included in the tubular segments such that each segment of the plurality of segments includes the electrically insulating material separate from the bulk insulating material.

27. A sensor assembly comprising: a source electrode extending along the longitudinal axis; a tubular section extending along the longitudinal axis and at least partially surrounding the source electrode such that the tubular section is radially spaced apart from the source electrode, the tubular section comprising: a plurality of segments positioned side by side in a circumferential manner about the longitudinal axis, wherein adjacent segments of the plurality of segments are spaced apart from one another in a circumferential manner about the longitudinal axis, wherein each segment comprises a first conductive material and a second conductive material, wherein the first conductive material is positioned closer to the longitudinal axis than the second conductive material, wherein the first conductive material is configured to form a capacitive coupling with the source electrode, and wherein the second conductive material is configured to shield the capacitive coupling from an external electric field, wherein the source electrode extends through the tubular section; and A volume of insulating material at least partially surrounds the source electrode and the tubular section.

28. The sensor assembly of claim 27, wherein: Each segment has a radial thickness relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein the first conductive material and the second conductive material are layers of each segment that constitute the radial thickness.

29. A sensor assembly according to claim 27 or 28, wherein: An electrically insulating material is disposed between the first electrically conductive material and the second electrically conductive material of each segment.

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