#$%^&*AU2017258831A120180524.pdf#####FORCE SENSORS FOR SURGICAL DEVICES TO PREVENT INGRESS OF FLUIDS ABSTRACT A force sensor (100) comprising: a substrate (110) including a proximal surface and a distal surface； a plurality of sensing elements (Se) coupled to the distal surface of the substrate (110)； a seal (120) including a base wall (122) and a flange (124) extending proximally from the base wall (122), the flange (124) positioned against the distal surface of the substrate (110) to define a cavity (C) between the base wall (122) of the seal (120) and the distal surface of the substrate (110) within which the plurality of sensing elements (Se) is disposed； and a cover plate (130) positioned over the seal (120) and fixed to the substrate (110), the cover plate (130) applying a closure force on the seal (120) to inhibit the ingress of fluids into the cavity (C).4/6 C 00 LM -C - C-L C.) C14u
