What is a key advantage of a helix-shaped Bourdon tube compared to a standard one?

A helix-shaped Bourdon tube offers the distinct advantage of possessing sufficient power to move recorder pens without the need for additional gears. This design allows the helix to generate a more substantial angular movement when subjected to pressure changes, thus translating pressure into mechanical movement more efficiently. The increase in angular movement enables direct mechanical linkages to recording devices, streamlining the design and making it more compact.

In practical applications, this feature reduces the complexity of the mechanism, as fewer moving parts contribute to the overall reliability and maintenance of the device. The efficiency of movement is crucial in applications where quick and accurate readings are necessary, emphasizing the benefits of direct mechanical coupling.

The other choices may present characteristics of Bourdon tubes, but do not specifically highlight the unique advantages of the helix design over standard configurations. Factors such as fitting into narrower enclosures or sensing higher pressures may relate to other configurations or design enhancements, but the primary benefit of the helix shape is its capability to effectively and directly operate sensors or recorders with minimized mechanical complexity.