Voima- tai paineanturi ja menetelmä sen soveltamiseksi

The invention relates to a force or pressure sensor and a method for applying the same. The pressure sensor includes a substantially rigid, mechanical-load resistant frame, a flexible diaphragm secured over its peripheral rim to the frame, and a piezoelectric sensor diaphragm applied to the surface of the flexible diaphragm. The sensor diaphragm loading element comprises a substantially rigid, mechanical-load resistant cover, having its protrusion or shoulder bearing against a middle section of the flexible diaphragm and thereby prestressing the flexible diaphragm and the piezoelectric sensor diaphragm attached thereto. The frame and the cover define therebetween a closed, hermetically sealed housing chamber, the flexible diaphragm and the piezoelectric sensor diaphragm located thereinside. The placement of one or more responsive, yet load-resistant sensors in contact with a bed enables measuring a sleeping or lying person for his or her heart rate and respiratory amplitude, as well as frequency.