SYSTEMS; DEVICES AND METHODS FOR MAGNETIC POSITION DETECTION

Abstract

A sensor arrangement (10) comprising a ring magnet (100) rotatable about its vertical axis (160) and configured to be displaced linearly in one direction along the vertical axis (160) of the ring magnet (100), the ring magnet (100) further comprising: an outer ring section (110) that provides a first pole pair, an inner ring section (120) that provides a second pair of poles, the second pair of poles being opposite in polarity to the first pair of poles; at least one magnetic sensor circuit (150) positioned at a non-centered offset distance from the ring magnet (100) in a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis (160), wherein the at least one magnetic sensor circuit (150) is positioned in the plane from the ring magnet (100) along a direction of a first dimension of the plane and along a direction of a second dimension of the plane, wherein the at least one magnetic sensor circuit (150) is configured to generate spatial magnetic data from one or more magnetic fields generated by linear displacement (140) of the ring magnet (100), wherein the spatial magnetic data includes a first magnetic spatial component along a direction of the vertical axis (160) and a second magnetic spatial component along a direction from either the first or the second dimension; and at least one computing unit comprising at least one processor (170) which is functionally coupled to the at least one magnetic sensor circuit (150) and is configured to obtain the spatial magnetic data and to determine displacement position data of the ring magnet (100) after a displacement (140) of the ring magnet (100) based on the obtained spatial magnetic data, wherein the at least one processor (170) is configured to determine the displacement position data of the displaced cylindrical ring magnet (100) based on a ratio between the first magnetic spatial component and the second magnetic spatial component.

Description

Technical field

[0001] Various designs generally relate to magnetic position detection sensor systems. background

[0002] Currently, determining a position in many motion detection devices requires labor-intensive calculations or determinations that can demand significant computing power and implementation effort. For example, many position detection applications may require the use of circular or trigonometric functions for position determination, which require more computing power than simpler basic arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

[0003] DE 10 2012 202 404 A1 describes a rotary angle sensor for detecting an absolute rotation angle during single or multiple rotations with respect to a rotational axis, comprising a magnetic field sensor and a sensor assembly. The magnetic field sensor is suitable for detecting at least two orthogonal quantities of a magnetic field.

[0004] US 2020 / 0 149 925 A1 describes a position sensor system for determining the position of a sensor device relative to a magnetic structure. Summary

[0005] A sensor arrangement according to the invention and a method for determining the linear displacement of a ring magnet are specified in the independent claims. Additional features for advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. Brief description of the drawings

[0006] In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally refer to the same parts throughout the various views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; instead, the emphasis is generally placed on illustrating the principles of the invention. The following description details various embodiments of the invention with reference to the following drawings, in which: Fig. 1A-1B a representation containing a sensor arrangement according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional plan view of the magnetic ring according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 shows a view of a ring magnet with a wave according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 shows a method 400 according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 each contain a table containing diagrams of exemplary magnetic spatial data and calculations of magnetic spatial data according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Description

[0007] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific details and embodiments by means of which the invention can be implemented.

[0008] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serves as an example, instance, or illustration." An embodiment or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferable or advantageous over other embodiments or designs.

[0009] The words "plural" and "multiple" in the description or claims expressly refer to a number greater than one. The expressions "group (of)," "set [of]," "accumulation (of)," "series (of)," "sequence (of)," "grouping (of)," etc., and the like in the description or claims refer to a number equal to or greater than one, i.e., one or more. An expression used in the plural form that does not expressly express "plural" or "multiple" similarly refers to a number equal to or greater than one. The expressions "proper subset," "reduced subset," and "lesser subset" refer to a subset of a set that is not equal to the set, i.e., a subset of a set that contains fewer elements than the set.

[0010] The expressions “at least one” and “one or more” can be understood to include a numerical number greater than or equal to one (e.g. one, two, three, four, [...], etc.).

[0011] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the use of the ordinal adjectives 'first', 'second', 'third', etc. to describe a common object merely indicates that reference is being made to different instances of similar objects and is not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in any particular sequence, either temporally, spatially, in rank, or otherwise.

[0012] The term "data," as used herein, can be understood to contain information in a suitable analog or digital form, e.g., provided as a file, part of a file, a set of files, a signal or current, part of a signal or current, a set of signals or currents, and the like. Furthermore, the term "data" can also be used to signify a reference to information, e.g., in the form of a pointer. However, the term "data" is not limited to the foregoing examples and can take various forms and represent any information understood in the field.

[0013] The terms "processor" or "controller," as used herein, for example, can be understood as a type of unit that allows the handling of data, signals, etc. The data, signals, etc., can be handled according to one or more specific functions performed by the processor or controller.

[0014] A processor or controller can therefore be or contain an analog circuit, digital circuit, mixed-signal circuit, logic circuit, processor, microprocessor, central processing unit (CPU), neuromorphic computer unit (NCU), graphics processing unit (GPU), digital signal processor (DSP), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), integrated circuit, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc., or a combination thereof. Another way of implementing the respective functions, which are described in more detail below, can also be understood as a processor, controller, or logic circuit.It is assumed that any two (or more) of the processors, controllers or logic circuits described in detail herein can be implemented as a single unit with equivalent functionality or the like, and conversely, that a single processor, controller or logic circuit described in detail herein can be implemented as two (or more) separate units with equivalent functionality or the like.

[0015] A “circuit,” as used herein, is understood to be a type of logic-implementing unit that may contain special-purpose hardware or a processor that executes software. A circuit may therefore be an analog circuit, digital circuit, mixed-signal circuit, logic circuit, processor, microprocessor, signal processor, central processing unit (“CPU”), graphics processing unit (“GPU”), neuromorphic computer unit (NCU), digital signal processor (“DSP”), field-programmable gate array (“FPGA”), integrated circuit, application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), etc., or a combination thereof. Another way of implementing the respective functions, described in greater detail below, may also be understood as a “circuit.”It is assumed that any two (or more) of the circuits described in detail herein can be implemented as a single circuit with substantially equivalent functionality. Conversely, each individual circuit described in detail herein can be implemented as two (or more) different circuits with substantially equivalent functionality. Furthermore, references to a "circuit" may refer to two or more circuits that together form a single circuit.

[0016] As used herein, the terms "module," "component," "system," "circuit," "element," "interface," "slice," "circuit," and the like are intended to refer to a set of one or more electronic components, a computer-like unit, hardware, software (e.g., in execution), and / or firmware. For example, a circuit or similar term may be a processor, a running process on a processor, a controller, an object, an executable program, a storage device, and / or a computer with a processing device. By way of illustration, an application running on a server, and the server itself, may also be a circuit. One or more circuits may be contained within the same circuit, and the circuit may be localized on one computer and / or distributed between two or more computers.A set of elements or a set of other circuits may be described herein, where the term 'set' can be interpreted as 'one or more'.

[0017] As used herein, a "signal" can be transmitted or routed through a signal chain in which the signal is processed to change properties such as phase, amplitude, frequency, and so on. The signal can be referred to as the same signal even when such properties are adjusted. In general, as long as a signal continuously encodes the same information, the signal can be considered the same signal.

[0018] As used herein, a signal that is "indicative of" a value or other information may be a digital or analog signal that encodes or otherwise communicates the value or other information in a manner that can be decoded by a receiving component and / or causes a responsive action in a receiving component. The signal may be stored or buffered in a computer-readable storage medium prior to its reception by the receiving component. The receiving component may retrieve the signal from the storage medium. Furthermore, a "value" that is "indicative of" a number, state, or parameter may be physically embodied as a digital signal, an analog signal, or stored bits that encode or otherwise communicate the value.

[0019] It is assumed that when an element is referred to as "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it may be physically connected or coupled to the other element, allowing current and / or electromagnetic radiation (e.g., a signal) to flow along a conductive path formed by the elements. Intervening conductive, inductive, or capacitive elements may be present between the element and the other element when the elements are described as coupled or connected. Furthermore, when coupled or connected, an element may be able to induce a voltage or current flow, or propagation of an electromagnetic wave, in the other element without physical contact or intervening components.Furthermore, when reference is made to a voltage, current or signal being “applied” to an element, the voltage, current or signal may be conveyed to the element by a physical connection or by capacitive, electromagnetic or inductive coupling that does not involve a physical connection.

[0020] As used herein, "memory" is understood to mean a non-volatile, computer-readable medium in which data or information can be stored for retrieval. References to "memory" herein may therefore be understood as references to volatile or non-volatile memory, including multiple-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state memory, magnetic tape, hard disk drive, optical drive, etc., or a combination thereof. Furthermore, registers, shift registers, processor registers, data buffers, etc., are also encompassed by the term memory. A single component referred to as "memory" or "a memory" may consist of more than one distinct type of memory and may therefore refer to a common component comprising one or more types of memory.Each individual memory component can be separated into several jointly equivalent memory components, and vice versa. Furthermore, while memory can be represented as separate from one or more components (as in the drawings), it can also be integrated with other components, such as on a common integrated chip or a controller with embedded memory.

[0021] The term "software" refers to a type of executable instruction, including firmware.

[0022] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented by one or more computers (or computer devices) that read and execute computer-readable instructions stored on a storage medium (e.g., non-volatile, computer-readable storage medium) to perform the functions of one or more of the embodiment(s) of the disclosure described herein. The computer(s) can comprise one or more central processing units (CPUs), microprocessor units (MPUs), or other circuits and can include a network of different computers or different computer processors. The computer-executable instructions can be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or a non-volatile, computer-readable storage medium.The storage medium can include, for example, one or more hard disks, multiple access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), memory from distributed computer systems, an optical drive (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray disc (BD)), a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like. Specific details and embodiments by which the invention can be implemented are shown for illustrative purposes.

[0023] Furthermore, spatially relative expressions, such as "below," "under," "lower," "above," "above," and the like, may be used herein for the simplicity of description to describe one element or feature relationship to another element(s) or feature(s), as illustrated in the figures. These spatially relative expressions are intended to encompass various orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. The apparatus may be oriented differently (rotated by 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0024] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the use of the ordinal adjectives 'first', 'second', 'third', etc., to describe a common object merely indicates that reference is being made to different instances of similar objects, and does not imply that the objects so described must be in any given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in rank, or otherwise.

[0025] The term "semiconductor substrate" or "semiconductor die" is defined to mean a structure comprising semiconductor material, for example, a silicon substrate with or without an epitaxial layer, a silicon-on-insulator substrate containing an embedded insulating layer, or a substrate with a germanium layer. The term "integrated circuit" as used herein refers to electronic circuits comprising several individual circuit elements, such as transistors, diodes, resistors, capacitors, inductors, and other active and passive semiconductor devices. A conductive area formed in and / or on a semiconductor substrate or semiconductor die is part of conductive paths and has exposed surfaces that can be treated by a planarization process, such as chemical-mechanical polishing.Suitable materials for the conductive areas may include, but are not limited to, for example, copper, aluminum, copper alloys, or other mobile conductive materials. The copper compound level can be the first or any subsequent metal compound level of the semiconductor device.

[0026] Fig. 1A-1B contain a diagram illustrating a sensor arrangement 10. Fig. 1A is a top view of sensor arrangement 10 and Fig. Figure 1B is a corresponding front perspective view. The figures shown represent a local coordinate system in which the x, y, and z directions can correspond to the local XYZ coordinate system, where the x, y, and z directions are perpendicular to each other.

[0027] The sensor arrangement 10 includes a ring magnet 100. The ring magnet 100 can be displaced linearly along a linear or straight path 160. That is, the ring magnet 100 can only be displaced along one dimension, which in various embodiments described herein is a path in one direction along a vertical axis of the ring magnet 100. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, the ring magnet 100 moves along the path 160 in the z-direction (e.g. parallel to the local z-axis) or along the vertical axis of the ring magnet 100.

[0028] The ring magnet 100 can generate magnetic fields during movement or displacement. In the example of Fig. 1B the ring magnet 100 moves or shifts linearly from point or position or height A to position or height B, as measured, in this example, from a center point of the ring magnet 100. The ring magnet 100' represents the ring magnet 100 after shifting to position B.

[0029] The sensor arrangement 10 includes at least one magnetic sensor circuit 150. In some embodiments, the sensor arrangement 10 may include only one of the magnetic sensor circuits 150 (referred to singly or plurally as a magnetic sensor circuit 150). The magnetic sensor circuit 150 may be configured to detect magnetic field components of received magnetic signals. In one example, the at least one magnetic sensor 150 may be or include a Hall sensor, an anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR), a giant magnetoresistance (GMR), and / or a tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR), to name a few.

[0030] The magnetic sensor circuit 150 can be positioned at a fixed distance or offset from the ring magnet 100. More precisely, the center point or any other point of the magnetic sensor 150 can be at a fixed distance from the center point or any other point of the ring magnet 100. From the top view, shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1A, within the local XY plane, the magnetic sensor circuit 150 is positioned away from the ring magnet 100 in two dimensions, along the x-direction and y-direction. The local XY plane is a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement of the ring magnet 100. The horizontal offset d can be measured from the center point of the magnetic sensor circuit 150 along the (local) x-direction, which can also be considered the offset or the horizontal offset direction.

[0031] In embodiments herein, with respect to an XY plane perpendicular to the axis / direction of motion, the magnetic sensor circuit 150 can be located at a suitable or arbitrary position along a fixed line placed at a distance (along the y-direction) from the ring magnet 100. The horizontal offset distance is the distance along this (virtual) fixed line (e.g., along the x-direction) from a position where the magnetic sensor circuit 150 is located to a second position separated from the ring magnet 100 only by a perpendicular distance between the ring magnet and the fixed line. This second position can be considered a "centered position" located away from the ring magnet only in one direction, e.g., along the y-direction.

[0032] In cases where the magnetic sensor circuit 150 is centered with an offset (horizontal offset) and positioned opposite the ring magnet 100 without tilt / rotation, and located only at a distance from the ring magnet 100 in one direction (e.g., the y-direction), the magnetic sensor circuit 150 is decentered with a fixed offset (along the x-direction) relative to the ring magnet 100.

[0033] In general, the magnetic sensor circuit 150 can be defined by its orientation or inclination, and in particular its orientation or inclination relative to the ring magnet 100 in various embodiments herein. The inclination of the magnetic sensor circuit 150 can be defined by the angle of the magnetic sensor surfaces relative to the ring magnet 100.

[0034] In Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, the magnetic sensor circuit 150 is oriented or inclined to be arranged in a direction of offset relative to the ring magnet 100. That is, the magnetic sensor circuit 150 is arranged along the y-axis or y-direction opposite. In other words, the inclination θ of the magnetic sensor circuit 150 is Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B Zero degrees (0°). If there were no horizontal offset d, the magnetic sensor circuit 150 would be centered and positioned directly opposite the ring magnet 100. The inclination θ can be measured as the angle between the end face or normal direction N of the magnetic sensor 150 and the local y-axis. Furthermore, in such cases of zero-degree inclination, the magnetic sensor circuit 150 can have an extension that is parallel to the x-direction or parallel to the horizontal offset direction.

[0035] Fig. Figure 1C shows a further sensor arrangement 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The components can be the same as in Fig. 1A and Fig. Let 1B be the case. In this example, the at least one magnetic sensor circuit 150 is not horizontally offset (e.g., along a local x-direction). Instead, the horizontal offset in this example is zero. In general, when the horizontal offset is zero, the magnetic sensor circuit 150 can be considered centered with respect to the ring magnet 100. In other words, the magnetic sensor circuit 150 can only be located away from the ring magnet 100 in one direction (y-direction), e.g., in the XY plane.

[0036] Furthermore, in this example, the magnetic sensor circuit 150 is tilted or rotated by a non-zero degree. The tilt, θ, in the XY plane can be an acute angle in some examples, e.g., between -90 and +90 degrees (-90° < θ < 90°) or between 0 and 360 degrees. In some examples, the tilt, θ, can be equal to or substantially equal to 45 degrees.

[0037] In other examples, there may be more than one tilt angle. That is, the at least one magnetic sensor circuit may be rotated in one, two, or three dimensions, with the corresponding tilt angles being measured, for example, relative to the ring magnet 100 or another aspect of the ring magnet.

[0038] For such sensor arrangements (e.g., sensor arrangement 10 or sensor arrangement 20), the magnetic sensor circuits 150 can receive the magnetic fields generated by the movement or displacement 140 of the ring magnet 100 (along the z-direction / vertical axis direction). The magnetic sensors 150 can detect the generated magnetic fields and can generate magnetic sensor data, which includes spatial magnetic data. The spatial magnetic data can include the specification of the directional field components of the generated magnetic field.

[0039] In the context of Fig. 1A-1C can specify or include spatial magnetic data with a magnetic field component Bx (magnetic field in the x-direction), a magnetic field component By (magnetic field in the y-direction), and a magnetic field component Bz (magnetic field in the z-direction). The x, y, and z directions can be local / relative to a specific sensor array.

[0040] Furthermore, the magnetic sensor circuit 150 can output one or more signals that specify the magnetic spatial data to the one or more processors 170 of the sensor arrangement 10. The one or more processors 170 can be configured to determine the position of the linearly displaced ring magnet 100 based on the obtained magnetic spatial data. For example, the one or more processors can execute instructions stored on a non-volatile, computer-readable medium to determine displacement position data that specify the displaced position or amount of linear displacement (e.g., from an initial starting or rest position) of the ring magnet 100.

[0041] In various examples herein, the ring magnet 100 can be located or housed within a structure to allow it to move or shift appropriately. Such a structure can be a suitable arrangement or construction that enables or guides the ring magnet 100 to be moved only along its vertical axis.

[0042] By configuring the ring magnet 100 (described later), its position can be proportional to the magnetic field components or to a pair of the magnetic field components. In other words, in the context of Fig. In 1A-1C, where the ring magnet 100 moves along its vertical axis (e.g. along the z-axis) and the sensors are positioned at certain offset horizontal distances (along the x-direction) from the ring magnet 100, the relationship between the position of the displaced ring magnet 100 and the magnetic field components can be expressed as: P2=k*BzBx+z0 where P2 is the displaced position of the ring magnet, k is a constant, z0 is an initial position (in the z-direction), Bx is the magnetic field component along the x-direction (perpendicular to the direction of movement of the ring magnet), Bz is the magnetic field component along the z-direction (along the vertical axis or along the direction of ring magnet movement and perpendicular to the x-direction).

[0043] As described, the at least one magnetic sensor circuit 150 can be inclined. Depending on how it is inclined, a different ratio of magnetic field components can be used to determine the position or amount of displacement of the ring magnet 100. For example, instead of BzBx, can the relationship BzBy can be used. In the case where the magnetic sensor circuit 150 is only inclined in the local xy-plane (plane perpendicular to the direction of magnetic ring movement), the ratio BzBx be used.

[0044] As in Fig. 1A and Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, the sensor arrangement 10 can include at least one second magnetic sensor circuit 150 and 150'. The at least one second magnetic sensor 510' can be similar to the at least first magnetic sensor 510. Both the first magnetic sensor(s) 150 and the second magnetic sensor(s) 150' can detect magnetic fields generated by the ring magnet 100 and output signals to the at least one processor 170, specifying the magnetic spatial data of the magnetic fields. The processor 170 can use magnetic spatial data (e.g., magnetic field component data) supplied by both the at least one first magnetic sensor 150 and the at least one second magnetic sensor 150'.

[0045] Stray field-stable data, or stray field-stable magnetic data, are similar to spatial magnetic data, e.g., including magnetic field components, except that the effect or influence of stray magnetic fields can be eliminated or reduced. This means that redundant or dual magnetic sensors can be used or combined to eliminate or reduce stray magnetic fields. Furthermore, the processor 170 can then use the stray field-stable data to determine or calculate the position of the linearly displaced ring magnet 100, as previously described, e.g., using the ratio between a vertical direction (z-direction or vertical axis direction) and a plane-lying (e.g., x-direction) magnetic component, as specified in the stray field-stable data.

[0046] Fig. Figure 2 shows an upper cross-sectional view of the magnetic ring 100. The magnetic ring 100 can be cylindrical or have a cylindrical shape. For example, in Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, the magnetic ring has a fully circular cylindrical shape. In general, the ring magnet 100 can have a shape or form that is rotationally symmetrical, which can prevent its magnetic field from being favored or influenced in any or a particular direction.

[0047] As in the example of Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the ring magnet 100 can have an outer ring section 110 and an inner ring section 120. Both the outer ring section 110 and the inner ring section 120 can be ring-shaped from a top-down perspective, with the inner ring section 120 nested within the outer ring section 110. Furthermore, the outer ring section 110 and the inner ring section 120 can each be pole pairs of the ring magnet 100. That is, the outer ring section 110 can be a north pole and the inner ring section 120 can be a south pole, or vice versa.

[0048] Furthermore, in an embodiment such as, for example, or similar to the one in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the ring magnet 100 may contain a vertical hole that extends partially through the ring magnet 100 or be a through hole that extends completely through the ring magnet 100. In other cases, the area 130 may be a core section filled with a suitable core material.

[0049] In cases where section 130 represents a vertical hole for the ring magnet 100, a shaft or cable can be inserted into the vertical hole 130 of the ring magnet. This is in Fig. Figure 3 shows a shaft 310 being at least partially inserted into the hole 130 of the ring magnet 100.

[0050] In some cases, the ring magnet 100 is rotatable. That is, the ring magnet 100 can rotate freely relative to its vertical axis and around the shaft 310. In other examples, the ring magnet may not be rotatable before or during linear displacement or may remain rotationally static. In the case where the ring magnet 100 is rotatable, it can rotate before and / or during a linear displacement.

[0051] In another example, the shaft 310 can engage with the ring magnet 100. That is, the shaft 310 can engage with the inner surface of the vertical hole of the ring magnet (e.g., through friction or other means). Therefore, when the shaft 310 rotates, it can cause the ring magnet to rotate along with the shaft 310. In one example, a motor 320 can be coupled to the shaft 310 to cause the shaft to rotate and, consequently, to cause the ring magnet 100 to rotate the shaft 310.

[0052] Fig. Figure 4 shows a method 400 according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 400 can be a way to determine the position of a linearly displaced magnet, including in particular the ring magnet 100, which is described herein in various embodiments.

[0053] Method 400 comprises, in 410, the acquisition or reception of magnetic fields from a linearly displaced ring magnet at one or more magnetic sensors located at fixed perpendicular offset(s) or distance(s) from the ring magnet. Method 420 comprises the determination, by at least one magnetic sensor circuit, of a first magnetic field component in a first direction along or parallel to the direction of displacement or movement of the ring magnet and a second magnetic field component in a second direction perpendicular to the direction of displacement or movement of the ring magnet or perpendicular to the first direction, from the acquired magnetic fields.

[0054] In various examples, the first direction can be along or parallel to a vertical axis of the ring magnet. The second direction can be along a direction in which one or more magnetic sensors are offset, e.g., in a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement of the ring magnet. The second direction can be an offset direction or a direction in which the at least one magnetic sensor circuit is offset away from the ring magnet.

[0055] Method 430 involves determining the ratio of the first magnetic field component to the second magnetic field component. Method 440 involves determining the position or displacement of the linearly displaced ring magnet based on the determined ratio.

[0056] Fig. Figure 5 shows a graph 500, which provides a graphical representation of exemplary magnetic spatial data, e.g., exemplary magnetic field components detected by one or more magnetic field sensors. Graph 500 also includes a graphical representation of a calculation based on magnetic spatial data.

[0057] Graphical representation 510 represents the detected magnetic field along a local x-direction (Bx), which can be a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the ring magnet. Graphical representation 520 represents the detected magnetic field components in the local z-direction (Bz), which can be a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the ring magnet. Graphical representation 530 represents the detected magnetic field components along the y-direction (By) or in a second direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the ring and perpendicular to the first direction. As in other embodiments, the x-, y-, and z-directions can correspond to a standard and local XYZ coordinate system, e.g., where the x-, y-, and z-directions are perpendicular to each other.

[0058] The x-axis of the graph represents the position or displacement of ring magnet 100 in units of mm. In this example, the ring magnet travels or moves from a position of -8.0 to 8 mm. The values ​​on the centered y-axis are the absolute values ​​of a magnetic field component in millitesla (mT).

[0059] The graphic representation 540 represents the ratio of the measured z-direction magnetic component divided by the corresponding x-direction magnetic field component. In other words, line 540 BzBx. The y-axis on the far right contains dimensionless values. As graph 500 shows, curve 540 shows a linear relationship between position and ratio. BzBx.

[0060] As described in embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one magnetic sensor is positioned at a perpendicular offset from the path or travel line of the ring magnet. Introducing the offset by centering the magnetic sensor circuit ensures that the magnetic field component in an offset or horizontal direction (e.g., local x-direction) will be non-zero. In other embodiments, there may be no offset in the horizontal direction (e.g., local x-direction), but the magnetic sensor circuit may be inclined, e.g., with respect to the ring magnet. In other words, in this case, the magnetic sensor circuit may be centered but inclined.

[0061] In both scenarios, the division of the magnetic field component in a ring magnet motion direction (e.g., z-direction) can Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B) through the magnetic field in a horizontal offset direction (e.g. x-direction in Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B) provide a value proportional to the amount or length of displacement of the ring magnet. In other words, dividing these magnetic field components can provide the slope of a linear equation that defines the position of the linearly displaced magnet.

[0062] Fig. Figure 6 contains a graph 600 including graphical representations of exemplary magnetic spatial data and graphical representations of magnetic field calculations using the magnetic spatial data. The magnetic spatial data may have been acquired from an exemplary ring magnet displaced in a direction of motion, with the vertical axis or the z-direction referenced to a local XYZ coordinate system.

[0063] The graphical representations can contain exemplary magnetic field components detected by one or more magnetic field sensors. These representations can depict exemplary detected magnetic fields along directions of the local coordinate system. Graphical representation 610 represents an exemplary magnetic field detected along a z-direction (Bz), which can be a direction along or parallel to a ring motion direction or vertical axis direction. Graphical representation 620 represents exemplary detected magnetic field components in the x-direction (Bx), which can be a horizontal offset direction. Graphical representation 630 represents an exemplary detected magnetic field component in the y-direction (By), another offset direction.

[0064] Graphical representation 640 can represent the ratio of the magnetic field components in the first direction (Bz) to the magnetic field components in the second direction (Bx). Graphical representation 650 can represent the inverse tangent function (arctan) of the ratio of the magnetic field components in the first direction (Bz) to the magnetic field component in the second direction (Bx).

[0065] As in Fig.Both the graphical representation of the ratio 640 and the graphical representation of the inverse tangent function (arctan) of the ratio have a linear relationship with the displaced position of the ring magnet. Accordingly, instead of using the arctangent function, the ratio of the magnetic field components in the direction of motion to the magnetic field component in the displacement direction can be used to provide a displacement position with greater simplicity or efficiency of calculation.

[0066] The following examples relate to further aspects of this revelation:

[0067] Example 1 is a sensor arrangement comprising a ring magnet rotatable about its vertical axis and configured to be displaced linearly along the vertical axis of the ring magnet, the ring magnet further comprising: an outer ring section providing a first pole pair; an inner ring section providing a second pole pair, the second pole pair being of opposite polarity to the first pole pair; and at least one magnetic sensor circuit positioned at a non-centered offset distance from the ring magnet in a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis, the at least one magnetic sensor circuit being configured to generate spatial magnetic data from one or more magnetic fields generated by linear displacement of the ring magnet.and at least one computing unit comprising at least one processor that is functionally coupled to the at least one magnetic sensor circuit and is configured to obtain the spatial magnetic data and to determine displacement position data of the ring magnet after a displacement of the ring magnet based on the obtained spatial magnetic data.

[0068] Example 2 is the object of Example 1, where the ring magnet can have a cylindrical shape.

[0069] Example 3 is the subject of Example 1 or 2, wherein the spatial magnetic data may include a first magnetic spatial component and a second magnetic spatial component, and wherein the at least one processor may be configured to determine the displacement position data of the displaced cylindrical ring magnet based on a ratio between the first magnetic spatial component and the second magnetic spatial component.

[0070] Example 4 is the subject of Example 3, wherein the first magnetic spatial component can be a magnetic component along or parallel to a ring magnet direction of motion, and the second magnetic spatial component can be a magnetic component along an offset direction in which the at least one magnetic sensor is arranged away from the ring magnet and perpendicular to the ring magnet direction of motion.

[0071] Example 5 is the object of any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the at least one magnetic sensor circuit can have a zero inclination with respect to the ring magnet, wherein the zero inclination is in a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis of the ring magnet.

[0072] Example 6 is the object of any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the ring magnet encloses a vertical hole that coincides with the vertical axis of the ring magnet.

[0073] Example 7 is the object of Example 6, wherein the vertical hole extends completely through the ring magnet.

[0074] Example 8 is the object of Example 7, which may further include: a wave that is arranged at least partially inside the vertical hole of the cylindrical ring magnet.

[0075] Example 9 is the object of Example 8, wherein the cylindrical ring magnet can be rotatable around the shaft.

[0076] Example 10 is the object of Example 8, wherein the shaft may be configured to engage with the cylindrical ring magnet in order to cause the cylindrical ring magnet to rotate in the same way as the axis rotates.

[0077] Example 11 is the subject of Example 10, which may further include: a motor mechanically coupled to the shaft and configured to cause the shaft and the ring magnet to rotate.

[0078] Example 12 is the object of one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the inner ring section of the ring magnet is nested concentrically within the outer ring section of the ring magnet.

[0079] Example 13. The sensor arrangement of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one magnetic sensor circuit comprises a first magnetic sensor circuit and a second magnetic sensor circuit, each of the first and second magnetic sensor circuits being configured to generate spatial magnetic data based on the one or more magnetic fields generated by line displacement of the cylindrical ring; wherein the computation unit for determining displacement position data of the ring magnet comprises generating spatial magnetic data with a reduction or cancellation of magnetic stray fields using the spatial magnetic data obtained from the first and second magnetic sensor circuits.

[0080] Example 14 is the object of one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the unit of calculation to determine displacement position data of the ring magnet includes determining a ratio of magnetic field components in the direction of movement of the ring magnet to magnetic field components in a direction in which the at least one magnetic sensor circuit is offset from the ring magnet.

[0081] Example 15 is a method for determining the linear displacement of a ring magnet, comprising: obtaining magnetic fields from the linearly displaced ring magnet by at least one magnetic sensor circuit, wherein the at least one magnetic sensor circuit is located at a fixed offset from the linear displacement of the ring magnet; determining a first magnetic field component in a first direction along or parallel to the direction of motion of the ring magnet and a second magnetic field component in a second direction perpendicular to the direction of motion and along or parallel to a direction in which the at least one magnetic sensor circuit is offset, by the at least one magnetic sensor circuit from the obtained magnetic fields; determining a ratio of the first magnetic field component to the second magnetic field component in the second direction;and determining a position or amount of the linear displacement of the linearly displaced ring magnet based on the determined ratio.

[0082] Example 16 is the object of Example 15, wherein the ring magnet is a cylindrically shaped ring magnet.

[0083] Example 17 is the object of Example 15 or 16, wherein the ring magnet may be arranged to be moved in one direction along a vertical axis of the cylindrical ring magnet.

[0084] Example 18 is the object of any of Examples 15 to 17, wherein the ring magnet may further include: an outer ring section providing a first pole pair, an inner ring section providing a second pole pair, wherein the second pole pair is of opposite polarity to the first pole pair.

[0085] Example 19 is the object of one of Examples 15 to 18, wherein the ring magnet can rotate during the linear displacement.

[0086] Example 19A is the object from one of Examples 15 to 18, wherein the ring magnet can remain rotationally static during the linear displacement.

[0087] Example 20 is the subject matter of any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the at least one magnetic sensor circuit may include a first magnetic sensor circuit and a second magnetic sensor circuit, each configured to generate magnetic field component data, and wherein the determination of the first magnetic field component and the second magnetic field component may include the determination of the first magnetic field component in the first direction and the second magnetic field component in the second direction with a reduced or eliminated stray field magnetic component.

[0088] Example 21 is a sensor arrangement comprising a ring magnet rotatable about its vertical axis and configured to be displaced linearly along the vertical axis of the ring magnet, the ring magnet further comprising: an outer ring section providing a first pole pair; an inner ring section providing a second pole pair, the second pole pair being of opposite polarity to the first pole pair; and at least one magnetic sensor circuit having a non-zero-degree inclination with respect to the ring magnet in a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis of the ring magnet, the at least one magnetic sensor circuit being configured to generate spatial magnetic data from one or more magnetic fields generated by linear displacement of the ring magnet.the at least magnetic and at least one computing unit comprising at least one processor which is functionally coupled to the at least one magnetic sensor circuit and configured to obtain the spatial magnetic data and to determine displacement position data of the ring magnet after a displacement of the ring magnet based on the obtained spatial magnetic data, wherein the inclination of the at least one magnetic sensor circuit is measured in relation to an angle at which the at least one magnetic sensor circuit is positioned relative to the ring magnet.

[0089] Example 22 is the object of Example 21, where the ring magnet can have a cylindrical shape.

[0090] Example 23 is the subject of Example 21 or 22, wherein the spatial magnetic data may include a first magnetic spatial component and a second magnetic spatial component, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to determine the displacement position data of the displaced cylindrical ring magnet based on a ratio between the first magnetic spatial component and the second magnetic spatial component.

[0091] Example 24 is the subject of Example 23, wherein the first magnetic spatial component or the second magnetic spatial component can be along directions parallel or perpendicular to a direction of movement of the ring magnet.

[0092] Example 25 is the object of one of Examples 21 to 24, wherein an angle of inclination of the at least one magnetic sensor circuit may be an acute angle.

[0093] Example 26 is the object of any of Examples 21 to 25, wherein an angle of inclination of the at least one magnetic sensor circuit may be an angle substantially equal to 45 degrees.

[0094] Example 27 is the object of any of Examples 21 to 24, wherein an angle of inclination of the at least one magnetic sensor circuit may be an angle greater than 90 degrees.

[0095] It should be noted that one or more features from one of the above examples can be suitably or appropriately combined with one of the other examples.

[0096] The preceding description was given only as an example, and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications can be made without deviating from the broader spirit or scope of protection of the invention as specified in the claims. The specification and drawings are therefore to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a limiting sense.

[0097] The scope of protection of the disclosure is therefore specified by the attached claims, and all amendments that affect the meaning and scope of the equivalence of the claims are therefore considered to be included.

[0098] It is acknowledged that implementations of the methods detailed herein are demonstrative in nature and are therefore to be understood as possible implementations in a corresponding apparatus. It is also acknowledged that implementations of the apparatus detailed herein are to be understood as possible implementations of a corresponding method. It is therefore understood that an apparatus corresponding to a method detailed herein may contain one or more components configured to carry out each aspect of the associated method.

[0099] All acronyms defined in the above description also apply in all claims contained herein.

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