Sensor assembly for an electric motor

Abstract

A sensor assembly for an electric machine, the sensor assembly including a position sensor mounted on a stator. The sensor assembly further includes a target configured to inductively couple with a transmit coil in the position sensor and a plurality of receive coils in the position sensor as the target passes the position sensor during rotation of the rotor relative to the stator. The sensor assembly includes a circuit mounted on the rotor. The sensor assembly further includes a power generation element located on the rotor. The power generation element generates power required to power electronic components in the circuit based on an inductive coupling with the transmit coil as the power generation element passes the position sensor during rotation of the rotor. The electronic components can include a sensor configured to acquire data that can be transmitted to the position sensor mounted on the stator.

Description

[0001] Priority Claim

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority of a U.S. patent application filed on November 5, 2020, with application number 17 / 090,225 and titled "Sensor Assembly for an Electric Machine", which claims the benefit of priority of a U.S. provisional application filed on June 11, 2020, with application number 63 / 037,647 and titled "Sensor Assembly for an Electric Machine", which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to a sensor assembly for an electric machine. Background Art

[0004] An electric machine (e.g., an electric motor, a generator) may include a stator and a rotor. The rotor may rotate relative to the stator due to an electromotive force between the stator and the rotor. The electromotive force between the stator and the rotor may cause the temperature of the electric machine to increase. For example, the rotor may include windings, and the electromotive force between the stator and the rotor may induce a current in the windings, thereby increasing the temperature of the windings. Alternatively, the rotor may include one or more permanent magnets, and the electromotive force may cause the temperature of the one or more permanent magnets to increase.

[0005] In some cases, the increase in the rotor temperature due to the electromotive force may affect the performance of the components of the rotor (e.g., windings, permanent magnets). For example, the electromotive force may cause the temperature of the rotor to increase such that the insulation of the windings begins to fail. Alternatively, the electromotive force may cause the temperature of the rotor to increase such that the permanent magnets demagnetize.

[0006] The temperature of the rotor may be estimated based at least in part on a temperature reading of the stator. Alternatively or additionally, the temperature of the rotor may be estimated based at least in part on one or more parameters (e.g., magnitude) associated with the current induced in the windings of the rotor. However, a more accurate measurement of the temperature of the rotor is needed to avoid situations where the increase in the rotor temperature due to the electromotive force causes degradation of the components of the rotor (e.g., windings, permanent magnets). Summary of the Invention

[0007] Aspects and advantages of embodiments of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be learned from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments.

[0008] On the one hand, a sensor assembly for an electric machine is provided. The electric machine includes a stator and a rotor. The sensor assembly includes a position sensor mounted on the stator. The position sensor includes a transmitting coil and a plurality of receiving coils. The sensor assembly includes a target configured to inductively couple with the transmitting coil and the plurality of receiving coils when the target passes by the position sensor during rotation of the rotor relative to the stator. The sensor assembly includes a first circuit mounted on the stator. The first circuit is operable to determine data representing the position of the rotor based at least in part on a measurement signal induced in at least one of the transmitting coil and the plurality of receiving coils when the target passes by the position sensor. The sensor assembly includes a second circuit mounted on the rotor. The second circuit includes one or more electronic components associated with monitoring one or more parameters of the rotor. The sensor assembly further includes a power generation element configured to generate power required to power the one or more electronic components based at least in part on inductive coupling with the transmitting coil when the power generation element passes by the position sensor during rotation of the rotor.

[0009] On the other hand, a method for transmitting data to a position sensor associated with a rotor of an electric machine, the position sensor being mounted on a stator of the electric machine, is provided. The method includes: generating, by a power generation element, power for powering one or more electronic components in a circuit mounted on the rotor based at least in part on inductive coupling between the power generation element and a transmitting coil of the position sensor during rotation of the rotor relative to the stator. The method further includes: obtaining, by one or more processors in the circuit, data associated with at least one sensor in the circuit. The method further includes: transmitting, by the one or more processors, the data to the position sensor via a power generation element or a communication coil on the rotor.

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the various embodiments will become better understood with reference to the following description and the appended claims. The drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the relevant principles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] For a person of ordinary skill in the art, embodiments are discussed in detail in the specification with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 Components of a position measurement system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure are depicted;

[0013] Figure 2 A sensor assembly for an electric machine according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted;

[0014] Figure 3 Depicted according to an example embodiment of the present disclosureFigure 2 The component located on the motor in the sensor assembly;

[0015] Figure 4 Depicts a second circuit of a sensor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 5 Depicts a target of a sensor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 6 Depicts a pick-up coil inductively coupled to a position sensor of a sensor assembly in a sensor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 7 Depicts a second circuit of a sensor assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 8 Depicts a target of a sensor assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 9 Depicts a communication coil inductively coupled to a position sensor of a sensor assembly in a sensor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0021] Figure 10 Depicts a method of transmitting data associated with a rotor of a motor to a position sensor mounted on a stator of the motor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the embodiments, not limitation of the present disclosure. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield yet another embodiment. Accordingly, it is intended that aspects of the present disclosure cover these modifications and variations.

[0023] Example aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a sensor assembly for an electric machine (e.g., an electric motor, a generator) having a stator and a rotor that rotates relative to the stator due to an electromotive force between the stator and the rotor. The sensor assembly may include a position sensor mounted on the stator. The position sensor may include a transmitting coil and a plurality of receiving coils. The sensor assembly may also include a target mounted on the rotor. The target may be configured to inductively couple with the transmitting coil and the plurality of receiving coils when the target passes by the position sensor during rotation of the rotor. More specifically, a measurement signal may be induced in at least one of the transmitting coil and the plurality of receiving coils when the target passes by the position sensor during the rotation. The sensor assembly may include a first circuit mounted on the stator. The first circuit may include one or more electronic components (e.g., a processor) configured to determine data representing the position of the rotor relative to the stator based at least in part on the measurement signal. As will be discussed in more detail below, the sensor assembly may include a second circuit mounted on the rotor, the second circuit including one or more electronic components (e.g., a processor, a sensor) associated with obtaining data representing one or more parameters associated with the rotor (e.g., temperature, speed, acceleration, etc.).

[0024] In some embodiments, the sensor assembly may include a power generation element configured to generate power required to power the one or more electronic components of the second circuit at least in part based on an inductive coupling between the power generation element and the transmitting coil of the position sensor when the power generation element passes by the position sensor during rotation of the rotor relative to the stator. In some embodiments, the power generation element may include a pick-up coil. Additionally, in some embodiments, the target may include the pick-up coil. Thus, the power generation element (e.g., the pick-up coil) may be part of the target. In an alternative embodiment, the second circuit may include the pick-up coil. Thus, the power generation element may be part of the second circuit.

[0025] The one or more electronic components of the second circuit may include at least one sensor. For example, the at least one sensor may include a temperature sensor. Thus, the power generation element may provide power to the temperature sensor to determine the temperature of the rotor. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one sensor may include a motion sensor. Thus, the power generation element may provide power to the motion sensor to obtain data representing the motion of the rotor (e.g., speed, acceleration) from the motion sensor. However, it should be understood that the second circuit may include any suitable sensor to monitor one or more parameters associated with the rotor.

[0026] In some embodiments, the one or more electronic components of the second circuit may include one or more processors. The one or more processors may be configured to obtain data from the at least one sensor. Additionally, the one or more processors may be configured to transmit the data to the position sensor. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more processors may be configured to transmit the data to the transmit coil or the plurality of receive coils via a power generation element. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more processors may be configured to transmit the data to the transmit coil or the plurality of receive coils via a pick-up coil.

[0027] Alternatively, the one or more processors may be configured to transmit the data to the transmit coil or the plurality of receive coils via a communication coil that is separate from the power generation element. In some embodiments, the target may include the communication coil. Thus, the communication coil may be part of the target. In an alternative embodiment, the second circuit may include the communication coil. Thus, the communication coil may be part of the second circuit.

[0028] In some embodiments, the one or more processors of the second circuit may be configured to encode data associated with the at least one sensor into a measurement signal induced in the transmit coil or one of the plurality of receive coils. Alternatively, the one or more processors of the second circuit may be configured to transmit data associated with the at least one sensor via a separate signal. For example, in some embodiments, data associated with the at least one sensor may be modulated onto the measurement signal.

[0029] The sensor assembly according to the present disclosure can provide many technical effects and beneficial effects. For example, at least in part due to the inductive coupling between the power generation element and the position sensor when the power generation element of the sensor assembly passes by the position sensor during rotor rotation, the power generation element allows the second circuit to obtain power. Thus, at least one sensor of the second circuit can obtain the required power to obtain data representing one or more parameters associated with the rotor (e.g., temperature, rotational speed, rotational acceleration, etc.).

[0030] Now referring to the plurality of figures, Figure 1 A position measurement system 100 for a motor is depicted, the motor having a stationary component (e.g., a stator) and a rotating component (e.g., a rotor). As shown, the position measurement system 100 may include a position sensor 110. The position sensor 110 may be mounted on the stationary component of the motor. For example, the position sensor 110 may be disposed on a circuit board that is mounted on the stationary component.

[0031] The position sensor 110 may include a transmitting coil 112 having one or more turns. The position sensor 110 may also include a plurality of receiving coils 114. Each of the plurality of receiving coils 114 may have one or more turns. As shown, the plurality of receiving coils 114 may at least include a first receiving coil 116 and a second receiving coil 118. In some embodiments, the first receiving coil 116 may have a shape corresponding to a first sine wave. Additionally, the second receiving coil 118 may have a shape corresponding to a second sine wave that is phase-shifted relative to the first sine wave. In some embodiments, the second sine wave may be phase-shifted 90 degrees relative to the first sine wave. In these embodiments, the first receiving coil 116 may be a sine receiving coil and the second receiving coil 118 may be a cosine receiving coil. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the plurality of receiving coils 114 may include more than two (e.g., the first receiving coil 116 and the second receiving coil 118) receiving coils. For example, in some embodiments, the plurality of receiving coils 114 may include three or more separate receiving coils.

[0032] The position measurement system 100 may include a target 120. In some embodiments, the target 120 may be mounted on a rotating component (e.g., a rotor) of the motor. Alternatively, the target 120 may be integral with the rotating component of the motor (e.g., be a part of the rotating component of the motor). The target 120 may move relative to the position sensor 110 mounted on a stationary component (e.g., a stator) of the motor. In some embodiments, the target 120 may include a wire loop structure. Alternatively, the target 120 may be a metal circuit board mounted on the rotating component of the motor. For example, the circuit board may be a patterned printed circuit board. Alternatively, the target 120 may be a solid metal component (e.g., a stamped metal piece) mounted on the rotating component of the motor.

[0033] The position measurement system 100 may include processing circuitry 130 associated with the position sensor 110. The processing circuitry 130 may include a transmit ("TX") drive circuit 132 configured to generate an alternating current signal provided to the transmitting coil 112 of the position sensor 110. In some embodiments, the TX drive circuit 132 may include a free-running oscillator that generates the alternating current signal at a drive frequency determined based on the inductance of the transmitting coil 112 and the capacitance of a capacitor (not shown) in parallel with the transmitting coil 112. In some embodiments, the target 120 includes a resonant circuit and the drive frequency is set to the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit.

[0034] An alternating current signal is provided to the transmitting coil 112 to induce electromotive forces in the first receiving coil 116 (e.g., a sine receiving coil) and the second receiving coil 118 (e.g., a cosine receiving coil), which causes currents to flow in the first receiving coil 116 and the second receiving coil 118. However, due to the layout of the first receiving coil 116 and the second receiving coil 118 relative to the transmitting coil 112, the electromotive forces directly induced in the first receiving coil 116 and the second receiving coil 118 are negligible, thus making the currents flowing therein negligible. However, the electromotive force induced by the transmitting coil 112 in the plurality of receiving coils 114 through the target 120 causes current signals to flow in each of the plurality of receiving coils 114 (e.g., the first receiving coil 116 and the second receiving coil 118).

[0035] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of receiving coils 114 may be formed by a separate winding such that separate currents flow in each of the plurality of receiving coils 114. For example, the first receiving coil 116 and the second receiving coil 118 may each be formed by a separate winding such that separate currents flow in the first receiving coil 116 and the second receiving coil 118. Additionally, the first receiving coil 116 and the second receiving coil 118 may be coupled to different terminals (not shown) associated with the processing circuit 130, and the current flowing in the first receiving coil 116 is processed to provide a first output signal 150, and the current flowing in the second receiving coil 118 is processed to provide a second output signal 152.

[0036] In some embodiments, the processing circuit 130 includes an electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) filtering circuit 134 associated with filtering harmonics associated with the current flowing in the first receiving coil 116. For example, the EMC filtering circuit 134 may be associated with filtering harmonics whose frequencies are different from the driving frequency. In this way, the harmonics caused by interference from electrical signals generated by other surrounding electronic components can be removed. Then, the filtered electrical signal passes through the synchronous demodulation circuit 136, in which the filtered electrical signal is mixed with the demodulation signal from the TX driving circuit 132.

[0037] Then, the demodulated electrical signal passes through a low-pass filter 138, which is configured to remove high-frequency components corresponding to the harmonics of the drive signal, leaving the baseband component. Then, the electrical signal passes through a gain and output buffer circuit 140, which allows an adjustable gain to be applied before the electrical signal is output as a first output signal 150. It should be understood that the current induced in the second receiving coil 118 also passes through the EMC filter circuit 134, the synchronous demodulation circuit 136, the low-pass filter 138, and the gain and output buffer circuit 140 before being output as a second output signal 152.

[0038] In some embodiments, the position of the target 120 relative to the position sensor 110 can be determined based at least in part on the first output signal 150 and the second output signal 152. For example, the position of the target 120 relative to the position sensor 110 can correspond to the arctangent of the first output signal 150 divided by the second output signal 152. In these embodiments, one or more processors 142 in the processing circuit 130 can be configured to output a signal representing the position of the target 120 relative to the position sensor 110.

[0039] Now referring Figure 2 and Figure 3 , a sensor assembly 200 for a motor 10 is provided, the motor having a stator 12 and a rotor 14. The sensor assembly 200 can include one or more components of the position measurement system 100 discussed above with reference Figure 1 . For example, the sensor assembly 200 can include a position sensor 110 and a target 120. As shown, the position sensor 110 can be mounted on the stator 12. In contrast, the target 120 can be a separate component mounted on the rotor 14. Alternatively, as discussed above, the target 120 can be integral with the rotor 14.

[0040] The sensor assembly 200 can include a first circuit 210 mounted on the stator 12. The first circuit 210 can include one or more electronic components of the processing circuit 130 discussed in the position measurement system 100 above with reference Figure 1 . For example, the first circuit 210 can include a TX drive circuit 132. Thus, the first circuit 210 can drive the transmit coil 112 in the position sensor 110 at a given frequency. The first circuit 210 can include one or more processors 142. The one or more processors 142 can be configured to determine data representing the position of the rotor 14 based at least in part on a measurement signal that is induced in the transmit coil 112 and at least one of the plurality of receive coils 114 in the position sensor 110 when the target 120 passes by the position sensor 110 during rotation of the rotor 14.

[0041] In some embodiments, the position sensor 110 and the first circuit 210 may be disposed on the same circuit board. In alternative embodiments, the position sensor 110 and the first circuit 210 may be disposed on respective circuit boards. For example, the position sensor 110 may be disposed on a first circuit board mounted to the stator 12. In contrast, the first circuit 210 may be disposed on a second circuit board mounted to the stator 12. In these embodiments, the position sensor 110 and the first circuit 210 may be configured to communicate with each other via any suitable electrical connection.

[0042] As shown, the sensor assembly 200 may include a second circuit 220 mounted on the rotor 14. For example, in some embodiments, the second circuit 220 may be disposed on a circuit board mounted to the rotor 14. The second circuit 220 may include one or more electronic components 230 (e.g., processors, sensors) associated with monitoring one or more parameters associated with the rotor 14 (e.g., temperature, speed, acceleration, etc.). For example, the one or more electronic components 230 in the second circuit 220 may include at least one sensor 232. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor 232 may include a temperature sensor (e.g., thermocouple). Thus, the temperature sensor may obtain data (e.g., a temperature reading) representative of the temperature of the rotor 14. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one sensor 232 may include a motion sensor (e.g., accelerometer). Thus, the motion sensor may obtain data representative of the motion of the rotor 14 (e.g., speed, acceleration). However, it should be understood that the at least one sensor 232 may include any suitable sensor configured to monitor a parameter associated with the rotor 14.

[0043] In some embodiments, the one or more electronic components 230 in the second circuit 220 may include one or more processors 234. The one or more processors 234 may be communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor 232. Thus, the one or more processors 234 may be configured to acquire data via the at least one sensor 232. For example, the one or more processors 234 may be configured to acquire data representative of the temperature of the rotor 14. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors 234 may be configured to acquire data representative of the motion of the rotor 14.

[0044] In some embodiments, the second circuit 220 can be integral with the target 120 (e.g., be a part of the target 120). For example, in some embodiments, the target 120 can be a coil integral with the second circuit 220. In these embodiments, the one or more electronic components 230 can be positioned closer to the inner diameter of the target 120 than to the outer diameter of the target 120. More specifically, at least one sensor 232 in the second circuit 220 can be positioned closer to the inner diameter of the target 120 than to the outer diameter of the target 120.

[0045] As shown, the sensor assembly 200 can include a power generation element 240 located on the rotor 14. The power generation element 240 can be configured to generate electrical power that can be used to power the one or more electronic components 230 in the second circuit 220. More specifically, electrical power can be generated at least in part based on the power generation element 240 being inductively coupled to the transmitting coil 112 when the power generation element 240 passes by the position sensor 110 during rotation of the rotor 14 relative to the stator 12.

[0046] Now referring Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the second circuit 220 ( Figure 4 ) or the target 120 ( Figure 5 ) can include the power generation element 240. Thus, the power generation element 240 can be a part of the second circuit 220 or a part of the target 120. In some embodiments, the power generation element 240 can include a pick-up coil 250. The pick-up coil 250 can be configured to generate electrical power for powering the one or more electronic components 230 in the second circuit 220 when the pick-up coil 250 is inductively coupled to the transmitting coil 112 during rotation of the rotor 14. In some embodiments, the number of turns associated with the pick-up coil 250 can be determined at least in part based on the voltage requirements associated with the second circuit 220. As will be discussed below, the one or more processors 234 can be configured to transmit data associated with the at least one sensor 232 through the pick-up coil 250.

[0047] Now referring Figure 6 , in some embodiments, when the pick-up coil 250 passes by the position sensor 110 during rotation of the rotor 14 relative to the stator 12, the pick-up coil 250 can be in communication with the position sensor 110 (in Figure 3is inductively coupled to the transmit coil 112 shown in). In this way, data 300 associated with the at least one sensor 232 can be transmitted to the position sensor 110 (specifically, the transmit coil 112 in the position sensor) through the pick-up coil 250. In these embodiments, the one or more processors 234 can be configured to adjust the impedance of the pick-up coil 250 to encode the data 300 into the measurement signal induced in the transmit coil 112 when the pick-up coil 250 is inductively coupled to the transmit coil 112.

[0048] In some embodiments, when the pick-up coil 250 passes by the position sensor 110 during rotation of the rotor 14 relative to the stator 12, the pick-up coil 250 can be inductively coupled to at least one of the plurality of receive coils 114 in the position sensor 110 (shown in Figure 3 ). In this way, data 300 associated with the at least one sensor 232 can be transmitted to the position sensor 110 (specifically, at least one of the plurality of receive coils 114 of the position sensor 110) through the pick-up coil 250. In these embodiments, the one or more processors 234 can be configured to adjust the impedance of the pick-up coil 250 to encode the data 300 into the measurement signal induced in the at least one receive coil when the pick-up coil 250 is inductively coupled to the at least one of the plurality of receive coils 114.

[0049] It should be understood that the one or more processors 234 can be configured to adjust the impedance of the pick-up coil 250 in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more processors 234 can be configured to electrically couple the pick-up coil 250 in a parallel layout or a series layout to passive electronic components (not shown) to adjust the impedance of the pick-up coil 250. The passive electronic components can include capacitors, resistors, inductors, or any other suitable type of passive electronic component that can be electrically coupled to the pick-up coil 250 to adjust the impedance of the pick-up coil 250.

[0050] In some embodiments, the pick-up coil 250 can be associated with a magnetic circuit. The magnetic circuit can be formed of any suitable ferromagnetic material. In this way, the inductive coupling with the transmit coil 112 and at least one of the plurality of receive coils 114 can be improved. In alternative embodiments, the pick-up coil 250 can be associated with a resonant circuit.

[0051] A first circuit 210 coupled to a stator 12 may be configured to process a signal received from a power generation element 240 (e.g., a pick-up coil 250) to obtain data 300 associated with at least one sensor 232 in a second circuit 220. In some embodiments, the signal may be a measurement signal induced in one or more of the plurality of receive coils 114. In these embodiments, one or more processors 234 in the second circuit 220 may be configured to induce, in a time-synchronized manner, a measurement signal encoded with data 300 in the transmit coil 112 and the receive coils 114 to accommodate a lock detection technique implemented by the first circuit 210.

[0052] In some embodiments, a frequency associated with a signal obtained from the pick-up coil 250 may be modulated according to a frequency modulation scheme to indicate that the signal includes data 300 associated with at least one sensor 232 in the second circuit 220. In these embodiments, the first circuit 210 may be configured to determine, at least in part based on the frequency of the signal modulated according to the frequency modulation scheme, that data 300 associated with at least one sensor 232 in the second circuit 220 is being transmitted to the first circuit 210.

[0053] In some embodiments, an amplitude of a signal obtained from the pick-up coil 250 may be modulated according to an amplitude modulation scheme to indicate that the signal includes data 300 associated with at least one sensor 232 in the second circuit 220. In these embodiments, the first circuit 210 may be configured to determine, at least in part based on the amplitude of the signal modulated according to the amplitude modulation scheme, that data 300 associated with at least one sensor 232 in the second circuit 220 is being transmitted to the first circuit 210.

[0054] In some embodiments, a phase of a signal obtained from the pick-up coil 250 may be modulated according to a phase modulation scheme to indicate that the signal includes data 300 associated with at least one sensor 232 in the second circuit 220. In these embodiments, the first circuit 210 may be configured to determine, at least in part based on the phase of the signal modulated according to the phase modulation scheme, that data 300 associated with at least one sensor 232 in the second circuit 220 is being transmitted to the first circuit 210.

[0055] Now refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8, the sensor assembly 200 may include a communication coil 260 separate from the power generation element 240. In some embodiments, the target 120 may include the power generation element 240 and the communication coil 260. In this way, the pick-up coil 250 and the communication coil 260 may be part of the target 120. In an alternative embodiment, the second circuit 220 may include the power generation element 240 and the communication coil 260. In this way, the pick-up coil 250 and the communication coil 260 may be part of the second circuit 220. As will be discussed below, the data 300 associated with at least one sensor 232 may be transmitted to the position sensor 110 via the communication coil 260.

[0056] Now referring Figure 9 , in some embodiments, when the communication coil 260 passes by the position sensor 110 during rotation of the rotor 14 relative to the stator 12, the communication coil 260 may be inductively coupled to the transmitting coil 112 in the position sensor 110 (shown in Figure 3 ). In this way, the data 300 associated with at least one sensor 232 may be transmitted to the position sensor 110 (specifically, the transmitting coil 112 in the position sensor) via the communication coil 260. In these embodiments, the one or more processors 234 may be configured to adjust the impedance of the communication coil 260 to encode the data 300 into the measurement signal induced in the transmitting coil 112 when the communication coil 260 is inductively coupled to the transmitting coil 112.

[0057] In some embodiments, when the communication coil 260 passes by the position sensor 110 (shown in Figure 3 ) during rotation of the rotor 14 relative to the stator 12, the communication coil 260 may be inductively coupled to at least one receiving coil among the plurality of receiving coils 114 in the position sensor. In this way, the data 300 associated with at least one sensor 232 may be transmitted to the position sensor 110 (specifically, the receiving coil 114 in the position sensor) via the communication coil 260 associated with the second circuit 220. In these embodiments, the one or more processors 234 may be configured to adjust the impedance of the communication coil 260 to encode the data 300 into the measurement signal induced in the at least one receiving coil when the communication coil 260 is inductively coupled to at least one receiving coil among the plurality of receiving coils 114.

[0058] It should be understood that the one or more processors 234 may be configured to adjust the impedance of the communication coil 260 in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more processors 234 may be configured to electrically couple the communication coil 260 in a parallel layout or a series layout with passive electronic components (not shown) to adjust the impedance of the communication coil 260. The passive electronic components may include capacitors, resistors, inductors, or any other suitable type of passive electronic component that can be electrically coupled to the communication coil 260 to adjust the impedance of the communication coil 260.

[0059] In some embodiments, at least one of the pick-up coil 250 and the communication coil 260 may be associated with a magnetic circuit. The magnetic circuit may be formed of any suitable ferromagnetic material. In this way, the inductive coupling with at least one of the transmit coil 112 and the plurality of receive coils 114 can be improved. In alternative embodiments, at least one of the pick-up coil 250 and the communication coil 260 may be associated with a resonant circuit.

[0060] The first circuit 210 coupled to the stator 12 may be configured to process the signal received from the communication coil 260 on the rotor 14 to obtain data 300 associated with at least one of the sensors 232 in the second circuit 220. In some embodiments, the signal may be a measurement signal induced in one or more of the plurality of receive coils 114. In these embodiments, one or more processors 234 in the second circuit 220 may be configured to induce, in a time-synchronized manner, a measurement signal encoded with the data 300 in the transmit coil 112 and the receive coils 114 to accommodate the lock detection technique implemented by the first circuit 210.

[0061] In some embodiments, the frequency associated with the signal obtained from the communication coil 260 may be modulated according to a frequency modulation scheme to indicate that the signal includes data 300 associated with at least one of the sensors 232 in the second circuit 220. In these embodiments, the first circuit 210 may be configured to determine, at least in part based on the frequency of the signal modulated according to the frequency modulation scheme, that data 300 associated with at least one of the sensors 232 in the second circuit 220 is being transmitted to the first circuit 210.

[0062] In some embodiments, the amplitude associated with the signal obtained from communication coil 260 may be modulated according to an amplitude modulation scheme to indicate that the signal includes data 300 associated with at least one sensor 232 in the second circuit 220. In these embodiments, the first circuit 210 may be configured to determine, at least in part based on the amplitude of the signal modulated according to the amplitude modulation scheme, that data 300 associated with at least one sensor 232 in the second circuit 220 is being transmitted to the first circuit 210.

[0063] In some embodiments, the phase of the signal obtained from communication coil 260 may be modulated according to a phase modulation scheme to indicate that the signal includes data 300 associated with at least one sensor 232 in the second circuit 220. In these embodiments, the first circuit 210 may be configured to determine, at least in part based on the phase of the signal modulated according to the phase modulation scheme, that data 300 associated with at least one sensor 232 in the second circuit 220 is being transmitted to the first circuit 210.

[0064] Now refer to Figure 10 FIG. [FIG. NUMBER NOT PROVIDED], which is a flow chart of an example method 500 for transmitting data to a position sensor according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the data being associated with a rotor of an electric machine, the position sensor being coupled to a stator of the electric machine. For example, method 500 may be performed using the sensor assembly discussed above with reference to Figure 2 For purposes of illustration and discussion, Figure 10 the steps are depicted in a particular order. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, using the disclosure provided herein, that the various steps of any of the methods described herein may be rewritten, omitted, rearranged, include steps not shown, performed simultaneously, and / or modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0065] At (502), method 500 includes generating, by a power generation element on the rotor, power for powering one or more electronic components in a circuit mounted on the rotor, at least in part based on inductive coupling between the power generation element and a transmit coil of the position sensor during rotation of the rotor relative to the stator. In some embodiments, the target may include the power generation element. Thus, the power generation element may be part of the target. In alternative embodiments, the circuit mounted on the rotor may include the power generation element.

[0066] At (504), method 500 includes: obtaining, by one or more processors in a circuit, data associated with at least one sensor in the circuit. In some embodiments, the data associated with the at least one sensor can include temperature data representing the temperature of a rotor in a motor. Alternatively or additionally, the data associated with the at least one sensor can include motion data representing the motion (e.g., speed, acceleration) of the rotor.

[0067] At (506), method 500 includes: transmitting, by the one or more processors, the data to a position sensor via a power generation element or a communication coil separate from the power generation element. In some embodiments, transmitting the data to the position sensor can include: transmitting, by the one or more processors, the data to a transmitting coil in the position sensor via a power generation element (e.g., a pick-up coil or a linear target) or a communication coil. In these embodiments, transmitting the data to the transmitting coil via the power generation element or the communication coil includes: adjusting the impedance of the pick-up coil or the impedance of the communication coil to encode the data into a measurement signal induced in the transmitting coil.

[0068] In an alternative embodiment, transmitting the data to the position sensor can include: transmitting, by the one or more processors, the data to at least one receiving coil among a plurality of receiving coils via a power generation element (e.g., a pick-up coil or a linear target) or a communication coil. In these embodiments, transmitting the data to the at least one receiving coil via the power generation element or the communication coil includes: adjusting the impedance of the pick-up coil or the impedance of the communication coil to encode the data into a measurement signal induced in the at least one receiving coil.

[0069] Although the subject matter has been described in detail with reference to specific example embodiments of the subject matter, it will be understood that those skilled in the art can readily make changes, variations, and equivalents to these embodiments once they obtain an understanding of the foregoing. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is presented by way of example rather than limitation, and the subject matter disclosure does not exclude including such modifications, variations, and / or additions to the subject matter that would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A sensor assembly for an electric machine, the electric machine including a stator and a rotor, the sensor assembly comprising: A position sensor mounted on the stator, the position sensor including a transmitting coil and a plurality of receiving coils; A target configured to be inductively coupled to the transmitting coil and the plurality of receiving coils when the target passes the position sensor during rotation of the rotor relative to the stator; A first circuit mounted on the stator, the first circuit being operable to determine data representing the position of the rotor based at least in part on a measurement signal induced in at least one of the transmitting coil and the plurality of receiving coils when the target passes the position sensor; A second circuit mounted on the rotor, the second circuit including one or more electronic components associated with monitoring one or more parameters of the rotor, the one or more electronic components including at least one sensor; And A power generation element configured to generate power required to power the one or more electronic components in the second circuit based at least in part on inductive coupling with the transmitting coil when the power generation element passes the position sensor during rotation of the rotor, the power generation element including a pick-up coil; The one or more electronic components in the second circuit further include one or more processors configured to perform operations including: Transmitting data associated with the at least one sensor to the position sensor via the pick-up coil or a communication coil separate from the pick-up coil, wherein transmitting the data to the position sensor includes transmitting the data to at least one receiving coil of the transmitting coil or the plurality of receiving coils in the position sensor via the pick-up coil or the communication coil.

2. The sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The target includes the power generation element.

3. The sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The second circuit includes the power generation element.

4. The sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one sensor includes a temperature sensor.

5. The sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one sensor includes a motion sensor.

6. The sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Transmitting the data associated with the at least one sensor further includes adjusting the impedance of the pick-up coil or the communication coil to encode the data into the measurement signal induced in the transmitting coil.

7. The sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Transmitting the data associated with the at least one sensor further includes adjusting the impedance of the pick-up coil or the communication coil to encode the data into the measurement signal induced in the at least one receiving coil.

8. The sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The number of turns of the pick-up coil or the number of turns of the communication coil is at least partially based on the voltage requirements associated with the second circuit.

9. A method for transmitting data to a position sensor, the data being associated with a rotor in an electric machine, the position sensor being mounted on a stator in the electric machine, the method comprising: Electric power is generated by a power generation element, at least partially based on inductive coupling between the power generation element and a transmitting coil in the position sensor during rotation of the rotor relative to the stator, for powering one or more electronic components in a circuit mounted on the rotor, wherein the power generation element includes a pick-up coil; Data associated with at least one sensor in the circuit is acquired by one or more processors in the circuit; and The data is transmitted to the position sensor by the one or more processors via the power generation element or a communication coil on the rotor, wherein the one or more electronic components in the circuit include the one or more processors and the at least one sensor, and the one or more processors are configured to: transmit the data associated with the at least one sensor to the position sensor via the pick-up coil or a communication coil separate from the pick-up coil, wherein transmitting the data to the position sensor includes: transmitting the data to at least one receiving coil of the transmitting coil or a plurality of receiving coils of the position sensor.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, Transmitting the data to the position sensor via the pick-up coil or the communication coil further includes: adjusting, by the one or more processors, an impedance of the pick-up coil or an impedance of the communication coil to encode the data into a measurement signal induced in the at least one receiving coil.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, Adjusting the impedance of the pick-up coil includes: coupling, by the one or more processors, the pick-up coil to a passive electronic component in a parallel layout or a series layout.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The at least one sensor includes a temperature sensor or a motion sensor.

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