System for detecting the position of a first element relative to a second element based on a radio frequency characteristic of a bias element

Abstract

Position sensor system (100, 200, 300), comprising: a first link (102, 202, 302); a second member (104, 204, 304) that is movable relative to the first member (102, 202, 302); a prestressing element (108, 208, 308) designed to prestress the second element (104, 204, 304) relative to the first element (102, 202, 302); and A radio frequency circuit arrangement (110, 210, 310) configured to apply a radio frequency signal to the bias element (108, 208, 308) and, based on a radio frequency characteristic of the bias element (108, 208, 308), to provide a signal or signals that are indicative of a position of the first element (102, 202, 302) relative to the second element (104, 204, 304), wherein the radio frequency circuit arrangement (110, 210, 310) comprises a spectrum analyzer (116, 216, 316) configured to detect an amplitude of a reflected radio frequency signal emitted by the bias element (108, 208, 308) is reflected, wherein the one or more signals are indicative of the position of the first member (102, 202, 302) relative to the second member (104, 204, 304).are provided by the radio frequency circuit arrangement (110, 210, 310), is positively correlated with the amplitude detected by the spectrum analyzer (116, 216, 316).

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates in general to radio frequency sensors and associated methods, and in particular to systems and methods for detecting a position of a first member relative to a second member based on a radio frequency characteristic of a bias member. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Current position sensor systems for detecting the relative position between two links can generally be complex and expensive. For example, some position sensors require additional mechanical components that can contact each of the links. Such systems can introduce unwanted resistance to the relative movement between the links. Other position sensors may require precision-manufactured components such as windings. Accordingly, an improved position sensor system would be welcome.

[0003] From DE 10 2007 052 ​​162 A1, a measuring device for the non-contact detection of a rotation angle or a linear path due to a relative movement between at least two bodies is known, wherein the bodies are pre-tensioned against each other in their initial position by spring means having windings made of an electrically conductive material and the relative movement of the bodies causes a change in length of the spring means.

[0004] DE 101 27 990 C2 teaches a device for humidification detection with an LC resonant circuit as a sensor and an oscillator for exciting the resonant circuit.

[0005] From DE 10 2004 032 031 A1 a device for detecting the resonance frequency and / or quality factor of a resonant circuit of a sensor is known. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure are partly set forth in the following description, or are evident from the description, or can be learned by carrying out the embodiments.

[0007] An exemplary aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for detecting the position of a first element relative to a second element based on a radio frequency characteristic of a biasing element. The biasing element can be configured to bias the second element relative to the first element. A radio frequency circuit arrangement can be configured to apply a radio frequency signal to the biasing element and, based on a radio frequency characteristic of the biasing element, provide one or more signals that are indicative of a position of the first element relative to the second element. The radio frequency circuit arrangement can include a spectrum analyzer configured to detect the amplitude of a reflected radio frequency signal reflected by the biasing element, wherein the one or more signals are indicative of the position of the first element relative to the second element.which is indicative of the position of the first element relative to the second element, provided by the radio frequency circuit arrangement, is positively correlated with the amplitude detected by the spectrum analyzer.

[0008] Another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure relates to a position sensor system for a vehicle pedal. The system can comprise a base element, a pedal element movable relative to the base element, and a bias element configured to bias the pedal element away from the base element. The system can include a radio frequency circuit arrangement configured to apply a radio frequency signal to the bias element and, based on a radio frequency characteristic of the bias element, provide one or more signals indicative of a position of the base element relative to the pedal element. The radio frequency circuit arrangement can include a spectrum analyzer configured to detect the amplitude of a reflected radio frequency signal reflected by the bias element, wherein the one or more signals are indicative of the position of the base element relative to the pedal element.which is indicative of the position of the base element relative to the pedal element, is / are positively correlated with the amplitude / are detected by the spectrum analyzer.

[0009] Another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for operating the position sensor system according to claim 1. The method may include: applying the radio frequency signal to the biasing element, which is configured to bias the second element relative to the first element; detecting the radio frequency characteristic of the biasing element; and providing, based on the radio frequency characteristic of the biasing element, one or more signals that are indicative of the position of the first element relative to the second element.

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of various embodiments will be better understood with reference to the following description and the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form part of this patent specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the associated principles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The descriptive section provides a detailed discussion of embodiments, addressed to a person skilled in the art and referring to the accompanying figures. These figures show: Fig. 1 a scheme of selected sections of an exemplary inductive position sensor, comprising a radio frequency circuit arrangement according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 a diagram of the exemplary inductive position sensor of Fig. 1, comprising an exemplary embodiment of a transmitting antenna, a receiving antenna and a member having a ferrite coating according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 a schematic drawing of another embodiment of a position sensor system employing a leaf spring preload member, according to aspects of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for detecting a position of a first member relative to a second member according to aspects of the present disclosure; and Fig. 5 A representation of test data collected for a pedal sensor assembly similar to the pedal assembly of Fig. 2 is. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Extensive reference will now be made to embodiments, one or more of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided to explain the embodiments and not to limit the present disclosure. Indeed, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that various modifications and variations of the embodiments can be made without departing from the scope or inventive concept of the present disclosure. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to achieve yet another embodiment. Thus, it is intended that aspects of the present disclosure cover such modifications and variations.

[0013] Exemplary aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for detecting the position of a first element relative to a second element based on a radio frequency characteristic of a preload element (for example, a coil spring or other resilient element). The preload element can be configured to preload the second element relative to the first element. A radio frequency (RF) circuit can be configured to apply a radio frequency signal to the preload element based on its radio frequency characteristic and provide one or more signals that are indicative of the position of the first element relative to the second element.

[0014] The radio frequency signal applied to the biasing element can be reflected by the biasing element. The reflected radio frequency signal can be detected by the radio frequency circuitry. The characteristics of the radio frequency signal(s) (e.g., amplitude, frequency, etc.) applied by the radio frequency circuitry can be selected based on a characteristic curve or multiple system characteristics. Exemplary characteristics include the dimensions or resonant frequencies of the biasing element and / or any surrounding conductive structure. For example, the radio frequency signal can have a frequency corresponding to a resonant frequency of the biasing element (e.g., a first resonant frequency, second resonant frequency, etc.).

[0015] The radio frequency circuit arrangement or radio frequency circuit may include a radio frequency generator configured to apply the radio frequency signal to the biasing element. The radio frequency circuit may also include a spectrum analyzer configured to detect the radio frequency characteristic of the biasing element. For example, the spectrum analyzer may be configured to detect the reflected radio frequency circuit signal reflected by the biasing element.

[0016] In some embodiments, the radio frequency generator and the spectrum analyzer can be coupled to the bias element at the same point. For example, the radio frequency generator can be electrically coupled to the bias element at a first point of the bias element and configured to apply the radio frequency signal to the bias element at the first point. The spectrum analyzer can be electrically coupled to the bias element at the first point of the bias element and configured to detect the radio frequency signal reflected by the bias element at the first point. For example, the system can include a divider connected to the frequency generator, the spectrum analyzer, and / or the bias element such that both the frequency generator and the spectrum analyzer can be coupled to the bias element at the first point.

[0017] In other embodiments, however, the spectrum analyzer can be coupled to the bias element at a second location that is different from or spaced apart from the first location. The second location can be defined at any point along the bias element. For example, in one embodiment, the second location can be defined at an end of the bias element that is opposite the first location. In such embodiments, the radio frequency signal detected by the spectrum analyzer can exhibit an insertion loss (Si). 1,2 ) of the preload element.

[0018] Exemplary aspects of the present disclosure relate to a position sensor system for a vehicle pedal. For example, the system can be designed to detect the position of a pedal element such as an accelerator pedal, brake pedal, etc.

[0019] In some embodiments, the preload element can be coupled to both the first and the second element. For example, the preload element can be designed such that it preloads the second element away from the first element.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second link can be pivotably coupled to the first link.

[0021] In some embodiments, the preload element may be or comprise a coil spring.

[0022] In some embodiments, the radio frequency circuit arrangement may include a radio frequency generator which is electrically coupled to the bias element at a first position of the bias element and is configured to apply the radio frequency signal to the bias element at the first position.

[0023] In some embodiments, the radio frequency circuit arrangement may include a spectrum analyzer which is electrically coupled to the bias element at the first position of the bias element and is configured to detect the radio frequency signal reflected at the first position by the bias element.

[0024] In some embodiments, the system may include a divider having a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port may be connected at the first position to the biasing element. The second port may be connected to the frequency generator. The third port may be connected to the spectrum analyzer, such that both the frequency generator and the spectrum analyzer are electrically coupled at the first position to the biasing element.

[0025] In some embodiments, the radio frequency circuit arrangement may include a spectrum analyzer configured to detect the amplitude of a reflected radio frequency signal reflected by the bias element.

[0026] In some embodiments, the signal(s) that are indicative of the position of the first element relative to the second element, provided by the radio frequency circuit arrangement, may be positively correlated with the amplitude detected by the spectrum analyzer.

[0027] In some embodiments, the radio frequency signal can comprise a fixed-amplitude sine wave. The fixed-amplitude sine wave can have a frequency ranging from approximately 50 MHz to approximately 5 GHz, in some embodiments from approximately 100 MHz to approximately 4 GHz, in some embodiments from approximately 150 MHz to approximately 2 GHz, and in some embodiments from approximately 200 MHz to approximately 1 GHz.

[0028] Another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure relates to a position sensor system for a vehicle pedal. The system may comprise a base element, a pedal element movable relative to the base element, and a biasing element configured to bias the pedal element away from the base element. The system may include a radio frequency circuit arrangement configured to apply a radio frequency signal to the biasing element based on a radio frequency characteristic of the biasing element, and to provide one or more signals indicative of a position of the base element relative to the element.

[0029] In some embodiments, the pedal link may include an accelerator pedal.

[0030] In some embodiments, the preload element can be coupled to both the base element and the pedal element.

[0031] In some embodiments, the pedal link can be pivotally coupled to the base link.

[0032] In some embodiments, the preload element may include a coil spring.

[0033] In some embodiments, the radio frequency circuit arrangement may include a radio frequency generator which is electrically coupled to the bias element at a first position of the bias element and is configured to apply the radio frequency signal to the bias element at the first position.

[0034] In some embodiments, the radio frequency circuit arrangement may include a spectrum analyzer which is electrically coupled to the bias element at the first position of the bias element and is configured to detect the radio frequency signal reflected by the bias element at the first position.

[0035] In some embodiments, the system may include a divider having a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port may be connected to the bias element at the first point. The second port may be connected to the frequency generator. The third port may be connected to the spectrum analyzer such that both the frequency generator and the spectrum analyzer are electrically coupled to the bias element at the first point.

[0036] In some embodiments, the radio frequency circuit arrangement may include a spectrum analyzer configured to detect the amplitude of a reflected radio frequency signal reflected by the bias element.

[0037] In some embodiments, the signal(s) that is / are indicative of the position of the base element relative to the pedal element may be positively correlated with the amplitude detected by the spectrum analyzer.

[0038] In some embodiments, the radio frequency signal can comprise a fixed-amplitude sine wave. For example, the fixed-amplitude sine wave can have a frequency ranging from approximately 50 MHz to approximately 2 GHz.

[0039] Another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for detecting the position of a first member relative to a second member. The method may include: applying a radio frequency signal to a biasing member configured to bias the second member relative to the first member; detecting a radio frequency characteristic of the biasing member; and providing, based on the radio frequency characteristic of the biasing member, one or more signals that are indicative of a position of the first member relative to the second member.

[0040] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a position sensor system 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The system 100 can comprise a first element 102 and a second element 104, which is movable relative to the first element 102, as illustrated, for example, by arrow 106. A biasing element 108 can be configured to bias the second element 104 relative to the first element 102. For example, the biasing element 108 can be configured to bias the second element 104 towards and / or away from the first element 102. The system 100 can include a radio frequency circuit arrangement such as a radio frequency circuit 110. The radio frequency circuit 100 can be designed such that, based on a radio frequency characteristic of the biasing element 108, it applies a radio frequency signal to the biasing element 108 and provides one or more signals that...which is indicative of a position of the first member 102 relative to the second member 104.

[0041] The preload element 108, the first element 102, and the second element 104 can have a variety of configurations. For example, the first element 102 can be directly coupled to the second element 104 (e.g., pivotally coupled). As another example, an additional element or elements can be coupled to the first element 102 and / or the second element 104 such that the first element 102 is pivotally connected relative to the second element 104. As yet another example, the first element 102 and / or the second element 104 can be movable on a track or have a pivotal configuration such that the first element 102 is movable relative to the second element 104. In some embodiments, the first element 102 can be free of a direct connection to the second element. In other embodiments, the first member 102 can be coupled to the second member 104 (for example, pivotably coupled).However, the second member 104 can be movable relative to the first member 102 in any suitable known embodiment.

[0042] The preload element 108 can have a variety of configurations. For example, the preload element 108 can be a spring having a helical or conical shape. In other embodiments, however, the preload element 108 can be a leaf spring (as, for example, with reference to Fig. 3 described) or any other suitable resilient link.

[0043] The radio frequency circuit 110 can include a radio frequency generator 112, which is electrically coupled to the bias element 108 at a first position 114 of the bias element 108 and is configured such that it applies the radio frequency signal to the bias element 108 at the first position 114. The radio frequency generator 112 can be configured such that it applies the radio frequency signal to the bias element 108 at the first position 114. The radio frequency signal can have a variety of suitable attributes, such as frequency, amplitude, modulation, etc. For example, the radio frequency signal can be a sine wave with a fixed amplitude. The sine wave with a fixed amplitude can have a frequency ranging from approximately 50 MHz to approximately 2 GHz.

[0044] The characteristics of the radio frequency signal (e.g., amplitude, frequency, etc.) applied by the radio frequency generator 112 can be selected based on characteristics of the system 100. Exemplary characteristics include the size or resonant frequencies of the bias element 108 and / or any surrounding conductive structure.

[0045] The radio frequency circuit 110 can include a spectrum analyzer 116, which is electrically coupled to the bias element 108 at the first position 114 of the bias element 108 and is designed to detect the radio frequency signal reflected by the bias element 108 at the first position 114, for example as described in more detail below.

[0046] System 100 can include a divider 118 having a first port 120, a second port 122, and a third port 124. The first port 120 of the divider 118 can be connected at position 114 (for example, by means of a first cable 126) to the biasing element 108. The second port 122 of the divider 118 can be connected to the frequency generator 112 (for example, by means of a second cable 128). The third port 124 can be connected to the spectrum analyzer 116 (for example, by means of a third cable 130) such that both the frequency generator 112 and the spectrum analyzer 116 are electrically coupled to the biasing element 108 at position 114.

[0047] The first position 114 can be located at one end of the prestressing element 108, as for example in Fig. Figure 1 illustrates this. In other embodiments, however, the first point 114 can be located at any point along the bias element 108, for example, at a midpoint of the bias element 108. Alternatively, the radio frequency circuit 110 can be coupled to a conductive element that is electrically coupled to the bias element 108. For example, the first element 102 and / or the second element 104 can be conductive and electrically coupled to the bias element 108. The radio frequency circuit 110 can be coupled to the first element 102 and / or the second element 104, or otherwise be located sufficiently close to the bias element 108 to allow a connection with the bias element 108.

[0048] The system 100 can comprise a conductive base layer 132 located in close proximity to the biasing element 108. As used here, "close proximity" can refer to a distance sufficiently small such that the presence of the conductive base layer 132 affects the radio frequency characteristic of the biasing element 108 by a measurable amount. For example, the conductive base layer 132 can be spaced from the biasing element at a distance less than a length 134 of the biasing element 108. Alternatively, the conductive base layer 132 can be spaced from the biasing element 108 at a distance less than a width 136 of the biasing element 108. The conductive base layer 132 can be coupled to the first element 102, second element 104, or any other suitable surrounding structure near the biasing element 108.

[0049] The spectrum analyzer 116 can be configured to detect and / or analyze the radio frequency characteristic of the bias element 108. For example, the spectrum analyzer 116 can be configured to detect and / or analyze the radio frequency signals received via the third cable 130. Exemplary radio frequency characteristics include frequency, amplitude, DC bias, or other characteristics of the received radio frequency signals. For example, the radio frequency characteristic can include the amplitude of a reflected radio frequency signal reflected by the bias element 108. In this example, the reflected radio frequency signal can include a return loss (SR). 11) of the preload element 108. The signals indicative of the position of the first element 102 relative to the second element 104 may be positively correlated with the amplitude detected by the spectrum analyzer 116.

[0050] In other embodiments, however, the spectrum analyzer 116 can be coupled to the bias element 108 at a second location that is different from or spaced apart from the first location 114. The second location can be defined at any point along the bias element 108. For example, in one embodiment, the second location can be defined at an end 134 of the bias element 108 that is opposite the first location 114. In such embodiments, the radio frequency signal detected by the spectrum analyzer 116 can be subject to an insertion loss (Si). 1,2 ) of the preload element 108.

[0051] Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a position sensor system 200 for a vehicle pedal. For example, the pedal element 202 can be or include an accelerator pedal for a vehicle. The system 200 can generally be designed as the system 100 previously described with reference to Fig. As described in section 1. For example, the system 201 can comprise a base element 204 and a pedal element 202, which is movable relative to the base element 204, as illustrated by arrow 206. The preload element 208 can be coupled to both the base element 204 and the pedal element 202. The pedal element 202 can be pivotally coupled to the base element 204, for example at a pivot point 203. Thus, the preload element 208 can be designed to preload the pedal element 202 away from the base element 204, for example towards an uncompressed position.

[0052] System 200 can include a radio frequency circuit arrangement such as a radio frequency circuit 210, as for example with reference to the radio frequency circuit 100 of Fig. 1 described. The radio frequency circuit 210 can be configured to apply a radio frequency signal to the bias element 208. The radio frequency circuit 210 can be configured to provide, based on a radio frequency characteristic of the bias element 208, one or more signals that are indicative of the position of the pedal element 202 relative to the base element 204. For example, the radio frequency circuit 210 can include a radio frequency generator 212, which is electrically coupled to the bias element 208 at a first position 214 of the bias element 208 and is configured to apply the radio frequency signal to the bias element 208 at the first position 214.The radio frequency circuit 210 can include a spectrum analyzer 216, which is electrically coupled to the bias element 208 at the first position 214 of the bias element 208 and is designed to reflect the radio frequency signal that is reflected by the bias element 208 at the first position 214.

[0053] System 200 can include a divisor 218, as for example above with reference to divisor 118 of Fig. 1 described. The divider 218 can be connected to the frequency generator 212, the spectrum analyzer 216 and / or the bias element 208, as described above with reference to the divider 118 of Fig. 1 described.

[0054] The system 200 can include a conductive base layer 232, such as with reference to the conductive base layer 132 of Fig. 1 described. The conductive base layer 232 can be located so close to the biasing element 208 that it interferes with the radio frequency characteristics of the biasing element 208. The conductive base layer 232 can be spaced from the biasing element 208 at a distance less than the length of the biasing element 208. Alternatively, the conductive base layer 232 can be spaced from the biasing element 208 at a distance less than the width of the biasing element 208. The conductive base layer 232 can be coupled to the base element 204 or pedal element 202, or to another suitable surrounding structure near the biasing element 208.

[0055] Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic drawing of another embodiment of a position sensor system 300 that employs a leaf spring preload element 308, according to aspects of the present disclosure. The position sensor system 300 can generally be described as the one above with reference to Fig. The position sensor system 100 described in section 1 may be configured as described, except that the leaf spring preload element 308 can be used. The reference numerals of Fig. 3 can generally be the reference sign of Fig. 1 correspond. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the movement of the first link 302 relative to the second link 304 can cause a deflection of the leaf spring preload link 308. The leaf spring preload link 308 can be coupled to the first and second links 302, 304 in a spring arm configuration. The first link 302 can be coupled to one end of the leaf spring preload link 308. The second link 304 can be coupled to the opposite end of the leaf spring preload link 308. However, it should be understood that other suitable configurations can be used. For example, the first or the second link 302, 304 can be coupled to the leaf spring preload link 308 at an intermediate position (e.g., at the midpoint of the leaf spring preload link 308). In such configurations, one end or more of the ends of the leaf spring preload member 308 can be mounted on the support structure.

[0056] The radio frequency circuit 310 can be designed such that, based on the radio frequency characteristic of the leaf spring preload element 308, it applies a radio frequency signal to the leaf spring preload element 308 and provides one or more signals that are indicative of a position of the first element 302 relative to the second element 304, as previously described, for example, with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described. It should be understood that the prestressing element can have other configurations.

[0057] Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 400 for detecting the position of a first member relative to a second member according to aspects of the present disclosure. Although Fig. While the three steps presented in the disclosure are carried out in a specific order for the purpose of illustration and discussion, the methods discussed here are not limited to any particular sequence or arrangement. A person skilled in the art, using the disclosure provided herein, will appreciate that various steps of the methods disclosed herein can be omitted, rearranged, combined, and / or adapted in various ways without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, Method 400 can be described here with reference to the sensor assemblies 100, 200, and 300, which were previously described with reference to Fig. 1 to 3 have been described. However, it should be estimated that the disclosed method 400 can be used to detect a position of a first member relative to a second member using a prestressing member, which may have any other suitable configuration.

[0058] Method 400 can, in (402), include applying a radio frequency signal to a biasing element configured to bias the second element relative to the first element, as previously described with reference to sensor assemblies 100, 200 of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described.

[0059] Method 400 may include detecting a radio frequency characteristic of the bias element at (404). Exemplary radio frequency characteristics include frequency, amplitude, DC bias, or other characteristics of the received radio frequency signals. For example, the radio frequency characteristic may include the amplitude of a reflected radio frequency signal reflected by the bias element 108, as previously described with reference to the sensor assemblies 100 and 200. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described.

[0060] Method 400, as described in (406), may include providing one or more signals, based on the radio frequency characteristic of the bias element, which are indicative of a position of the first element relative to the second element, as previously described with reference to sensor assemblies 100, 200, 300. Fig. 1 to 3 described. Example

[0061] Fig. Figure 5 illustrates test data collected for a pedal sensor assembly, which is similar to the pedal assembly 200 from Fig.2. A radio frequency signal with a frequency of approximately 656 MHz was applied to the biasing element at a first position. The radio frequency circuit detected the amplitude of a reflected radio frequency signal at the first position. It was discovered that the reflected radio signal (vertical axis) was approximately linearly positively correlated with the compression of the biasing element (horizontal axis). In an uncompressed position (0% compression), a sine wave signal was detected with a frequency of approximately 656 MHz and an amplitude of approximately 1.19 mV. In a fully compressed position (100% compression), a sine wave signal was detected with a frequency of approximately 656 MHz and an amplitude of approximately 2.18 mV.

[0062] The radio frequency circuitry may include a processing circuitry designed to calculate the percentage compression of the bias element based on the detected amplitude of the reflected radio frequency signal. For example, the processing circuitry may employ a lookup table, a correlating formula (e.g., empirically or theoretically determined), and / or another suitable means to calculate the percentage compression based on the amplitude of the reflected radio frequency signal.

[0063] While the present subject matter of the invention has been described in detail with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be estimated that skilled persons will be able to readily produce modifications, variations, and equivalents to such embodiments upon gaining an understanding of the foregoing. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is to be understood as exemplary and not as limiting, and as is readily apparent to a person skilled in the art, the disclosure of the subject matter does not preclude the inclusion of such modifications, variations, and / or additions to the present subject matter of the invention.

Claims

[1] Position sensor system (100, 200, 300), comprising: a first link (102, 202, 302); a second member (104, 204, 304) that is movable relative to the first member (102, 202, 302); a prestressing element (108, 208, 308) designed to prestress the second element (104, 204, 304) relative to the first element (102, 202, 302); and A radio frequency circuit arrangement (110, 210, 310) configured to apply a radio frequency signal to the bias element (108, 208, 308) and, based on a radio frequency characteristic of the bias element (108, 208, 308), to provide a signal or signals that are indicative of a position of the first element (102, 202, 302) relative to the second element (104, 204, 304), wherein the radio frequency circuit arrangement (110, 210, 310) comprises a spectrum analyzer (116, 216, 316) configured to detect an amplitude of a reflected radio frequency signal emitted by the bias element (108, 208, 308) is reflected, wherein the one or more signals are indicative of the position of the first member (102, 202, 302) relative to the second member (104, 204, 304).are provided by the radio frequency circuit arrangement (110, 210, 310), is positively correlated with the amplitude detected by the spectrum analyzer (116, 216, 316). [2] Position sensor system (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, wherein the bias element (108, 208, 308) is coupled to both the first element (102, 202, 302) and the second element (104, 204, 304). [3] Position sensor system (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the preload member (108, 208) is configured such that it preloads the second member (104, 204) away from the first member (102, 202). [4] Position sensor system (200) according to claim 1, wherein the second member (204) is pivotably coupled to the first member (202). [5] Position sensor system (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the preload element (108, 208) comprises a coil spring. [6] Position sensor system (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, wherein the radio frequency circuit arrangement (110, 210, 310) comprises a radio frequency generator (112, 212, 312) which is electrically coupled to the bias element (108, 208, 308) at a first position (114, 214, 314) and is configured such that it applies the radio frequency signal to the bias element (108, 208, 308) at the first position (114, 214, 314). [7] Position sensor system (100, 200, 300) according to claim 6, wherein the spectrum analyzer (116, 216, 316) is electrically coupled to the bias element (108, 208, 308) at the first position (114, 214, 314) and is configured to detect the radio frequency signal reflected by the bias element (108, 208, 308) at the first position (114, 214, 314). [8] Position sensor system (100, 200, 300) according to claim 7, further comprising a divider (118, 218, 318) comprising a first port (120, 220, 320), a second port (122, 222, 322) and a third port (124, 224, 324), wherein the first port (120, 220, 320) is connected at the first position (114, 214, 314) to the bias element (108, 208, 308), wherein the second port (122, 222, 322) is connected to the radio frequency generator (112, 212, 312), and wherein the third port (124, 224, 324) is connected to the spectrum analyzer (116, 216, 316) is connected in such a way that both the radio frequency generator (112, 212, 312) and the spectrum analyzer (116, 216, 316) are electrically coupled to the bias element (108, 208, 308) at the first position (114, 214, 314). [9] Position sensor system (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, wherein the radio frequency signal comprises a sine wave signal with a fixed amplitude. [10] Position sensor system (100, 200, 300) according to claim 9, wherein the fixed amplitude sine signal has a frequency ranging from approximately 50 MHz to approximately 2 GHz. [11] Position sensor system (200) for a vehicle pedal, comprising: a basic member (204); a pedal link (202) which is movable relative to the base link (204); a pretensioning element (208) designed to pretension the pedal element (202) away from the base element (204); A radio frequency circuit arrangement (210) configured to apply a radio frequency signal to the biasing element (208) and, based on a radio frequency characteristic of the biasing element (208), to provide one or more signals that are indicative of a position of the base element (204) relative to the pedal element (202), wherein the radio frequency circuit arrangement (210) comprises a spectrum analyzer (216) configured to detect an amplitude of a reflected radio frequency signal reflected by the biasing element (208), wherein the one or more signals that are indicative of the position of the base element (204) relative to the pedal element (202) are positively correlated with the amplitude detected by the spectrum analyzer (216). [12] Position sensor system (200) according to claim 11, wherein the pedal element (202) comprises an accelerator pedal. [13] Position sensor system (200) according to claim 11, wherein the preload element (208) is coupled to both the base element (204) and the pedal element (202), wherein the pedal element (202) is pivotably coupled to the base element (204). [14] Position sensor system (200) according to claim 11, wherein the preload element (208) comprises a coil spring. [15] Position sensor system (200) according to claim 11, wherein the radio frequency circuit arrangement (210) comprises a radio frequency generator (212) which is electrically coupled to the bias element (208) at a first location (214) of the bias element (208) and is configured such that it applies the radio frequency signal to the bias element (208) at the first location (214). [16] Position sensor system (200) according to claim 15, wherein the spectrum analyzer (216) is electrically coupled to the bias element (208) at the first position (214) and is configured to detect the radio frequency signal reflected by the bias element (208) at the first position (214), wherein the position sensor system (200) further comprises a divider (218) having a first port (220), a second port (222) and a third port (224), wherein the first port (220) is connected to the bias element (208) at the first position (214), and wherein the second port (222) is connected to the radio frequency generator (212), and wherein the third port (224) is connected to the spectrum analyzer (216) such that both the radio frequency generator (212) as well as the spectrum analyzer (216) are electrically coupled at the first position (214) with the bias element (208). [17] Method (400) for operating the position sensor system (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises: Applying (402) the radio frequency signal to the biasing element (108, 208, 308), which is designed to bias the second element (104, 204, 304) relative to the first element (102, 202, 302); Detecting (404) the radio frequency characteristic of the bias element (108, 208, 308); and Providing (406), based on the radio frequency characteristic of the bias element (108, 208, 308), one or more signals that are indicative of the position of the first element (102, 202, 302) relative to the second element (104, 204, 304).

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