Magnetic assembly for a selector including opposing flux concentrators extending from a single magnet

Abstract

To provide a selector interface including a magnet assembly for interacting with a three dimensional sensor including a magnet and an opposing magnetic flux concentrator.SOLUTION: The selector assembly includes a selector, a printed circuit board having a three dimensional sensor for monitoring multi-directional movement of the selector, and a magnet assembly mounted to the selector and in electromagnetic communication with the three dimensional sensor. The magnet assembly includes a first flux concentrator and a second flux concentrator defining a sensing region therebetween, and a magnet generating a magnetic field. The magnet engages the first flux concentrator and the second flux concentrator to direct a linear flux path of the magnetic field through the sensing region. The three dimensional sensor is positioned within the sensing region and the linear magnetic flux path extends through the sensing region. Movement of the selector moves the magnet assembly and the linear flux path relative to the three dimensional sensor. Movement of the linear flux path relative to the three dimensional sensor is communicated to the controller.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a selector interface, and more particularly to a selector interface including a magnet assembly for interacting with a three-dimensional sensor, the magnet including a magnet and an opposing flux concentrator. [Background technology]

[0002] User interfaces for vehicles and other equipment include selectors for operating various aspects of the equipment. These selectors may include sensors and magnet assemblies in electromagnetic communication with one another. These assemblies are used to provide commands to controllers or other aspects of the equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a selector assembly includes a selector, a printed circuit board having a three-dimensional sensor for monitoring multi-directional movement of the selector, and a magnet assembly attached to the selector and in electromagnetic communication with the three-dimensional sensor. The magnet assembly includes a first magnetic flux concentrator positioned on a first side of the three-dimensional sensor, a second magnetic flux concentrator positioned on a second side of the three-dimensional sensor, and a magnet for generating a magnetic field. The magnet engages the first and second magnetic flux concentrators. The magnet's magnetic field is directed through the first and second magnetic flux concentrators to generate a sensor portion of the magnetic field. The sensor portion is defined by a linear magnetic flux path extending between an output face of the first magnetic flux concentrator and an input face of the second magnetic flux concentrator. Furthermore, the sensor portion of the magnetic field extends linearly through the three-dimensional sensor.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a selector assembly includes a selector body operably disposed within a selector housing, a printed circuit board mounted to the selector housing having sensors for monitoring multi-directional movement of the selector body, a magnet mounted to the selector body for generating a magnetic field, and a magnetic flux concentrator assembly mounted to the selector body and the magnet. The magnetic flux concentrator assembly is configured to define a sensor portion of the magnetic field. The sensor portion is defined by a linear magnetic flux path extending between an output face of the magnetic flux concentrator assembly and an input face of the magnetic flux concentrator assembly. Further, the sensor is disposed between the output face and the input face and is in electromagnetic communication with the sensor portion of the magnetic field.

[0005] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a sensor assembly includes a magnet mounted on a selector body operable within the selector housing, first and second magnetic flux concentrators that direct the magnetic field of the magnet through a sensor portion of the magnetic field, and a three-dimensional sensor disposed within the sensor portion and mounted on the selector housing. Movement of the selector body causes the sensor portion of the magnetic field to move relative to the three-dimensional sensor. The three-dimensional sensor detects the movement of the sensor portion and communicates the movement of the sensor portion to a controller.

[0006] According to another aspect, a selector assembly includes a selector, a printed circuit board having a three-dimensional sensor for monitoring multidirectional movement of the selector, and a magnet assembly attached to the selector and in electromagnetic communication with the three-dimensional sensor. The magnet assembly includes first and second magnetic flux concentrators defining a sensing region therebetween, and a magnet for generating a magnetic field. The magnet engages the first and second magnetic flux concentrators to direct a linear flux path of the magnetic field through the sensing region. The three-dimensional sensor is positioned within the sensing region, and the linear flux path extends through the sensing region. Movement of the selector adjusts the relative position of the magnet assembly and the linear flux path with respect to the three-dimensional sensor. Furthermore, movement of the linear flux path with respect to the three-dimensional sensor is communicated to a controller.

[0007] According to another aspect, a selector assembly includes a selector body operably disposed within a selector housing, a printed circuit board having a sensor attached to the selector housing, a magnet attached to the selector body for generating a magnetic field, and a magnetic flux concentrator assembly attached to the selector body and the magnet. The magnetic flux concentrator assembly is configured to define a linear flux path for the magnetic field. The linear flux path extends between an output face of the magnetic flux concentrator assembly and an input face of the magnetic flux concentrator assembly. A sensor is disposed within the linear flux path between the output face and the input face and is in electromagnetic communication with a sensor portion of the magnetic field that monitors multi-directional movement of the selector body.

[0008] According to yet another aspect, the selector assembly includes a magnet mounted on a selector body operable within the selector housing, first and second magnetic flux concentrators that direct the magnetic field of the magnet through a sensor portion of the magnetic field, and a three-dimensional sensor disposed within the sensor portion and mounted on the selector housing. Movement of the selector body causes the sensor portion of the magnetic field to move relative to the three-dimensional sensor. The three-dimensional sensor detects the movement of the sensor portion and communicates the movement of the sensor portion to the controller.

[0009] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art with reference to the following specification, claims, and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a selector assembly incorporating aspects of a magnet assembly having a flux concentrator. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the selector assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line II-II. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the selector assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a selector shown positioned with a sensor and a printed circuit board (PCB) positioned relative to a magnet assembly. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the selector of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the selector of FIG. 5 taken along line VI-VI. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the selector of FIG. 4 taken along line VII-VII. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a selector body incorporating aspects of a flux concentrator. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the selector body of FIG. 8 taken along line IX-IX. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the selector body of FIG. 8. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a magnet assembly including a single magnet and an opposing flux concentrator. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a schematic elevation view of the magnet assembly of FIG. 10 showing the sensor portion of the magnetic field relative to the magnet. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the magnet assembly of FIG. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the magnetic field of a magnet as directed by a flux concentrator of a magnet assembly relative to a three-dimensional sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

[0012] Where necessary, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely representative of the invention, which may be embodied in various alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily detailed in design, and some details may be emphasized or minimized to illustrate functional overviews. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ the present invention in various ways.

[0013] For purposes of description herein, the terms "top," "bottom," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof, shall refer to the concepts as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it should be understood that the concepts may assume various alternative orientations, unless expressly specified to the contrary. Furthermore, it should be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely representative embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0014] The presently illustrated embodiment resides primarily in a combination of method steps and apparatus components relating to a selector magnet assembly including opposing magnetic flux concentrators extending from a single magnet. Accordingly, where necessary, the drawings have presented apparatus components and method steps with conventional symbols, and only specific details relevant to an understanding of the disclosed embodiments are shown, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Furthermore, like numbers in the description and drawings represent like elements.

[0015] As used herein, the term "and / or," when used in connection with a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items may be employed alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be employed. For example, if a combination is described as including components A, B, and / or C, the components may include A alone, B alone, C alone, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0016] In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, etc., are used solely to distinguish one entity or activity from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or activities. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to convey a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises" does not, without further constraints, exclude the presence of additional identical elements in processes, methods, articles, or apparatus that comprise that element.

[0017] As used herein, the term "about" means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and properties are not, and need not be, exact and may be approximate, and / or larger or smaller, as appropriate, to reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement error, and the like, as well as other factors known to those skilled in the art. When the term "about" is used in describing a value or the endpoint of a range, it should be understood that the disclosure includes the specific value or endpoint referred to. Whether or not a numerical value or range endpoint is accompanied by "about" herein, the numerical value or range endpoint is intended to include two embodiments: those modified by "about" and those not modified by "about." It will further be understood that each endpoint of a range is significant, both in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0018] The terms "substantial," "substantially," and variations thereof, as used herein, are intended to note that a described characteristic is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially flat" surface is intended to mean a planar or nearly planar surface. Moreover, "substantially" is intended to mean that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may mean within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other or within about 2% of each other.

[0019] As used herein, the terms "the," "a," or "an" mean "at least one" and should not be limited to "only one" unless clearly indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0020] 1-14 , reference numeral 10 generally refers to a magnet assembly disposed within a selector assembly 12 for a vehicle, appliance, accessory, or other similar application having a user interface 14. According to various aspects of the device, the selector assembly 12 includes a selector 16. The selector assembly 12 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 18 having a magnetic sensor 20, such as a three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20, for monitoring multi-directional movement of the selector 16. The magnet assembly 10 is attached to the selector 16. Typically, the magnet assembly 10 is embedded within a body 22 of the selector 16 and is in electromagnetic communication with the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20. The magnet assembly 10 includes a first magnetic flux concentrator 24 positioned on a first side 26 of the PCB 18 and the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20. A second magnetic flux concentrator 28 of the magnet assembly 10 is positioned on a second side 30 of the PCB 18 and the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20. Typically, the first magnetic flux concentrator 24 and the second magnetic flux concentrator 28 are positioned on opposite sides of the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20. A magnet 32 ​​is included in the magnet assembly 10 to generate the magnetic field 34 sensed by the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20. The magnet 32 ​​engages with the first magnetic flux concentrator 24 and the second magnetic flux concentrator 28. The magnetic field 34 of the magnet 32 ​​is directed through the first magnetic flux concentrator 24 and the second magnetic flux concentrator 28 to generate a sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34. The sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34 is defined by a linear magnetic flux path 64 extending between the output face 38 of the first magnetic flux concentrator 24 and the input face 40 of the second magnetic flux concentrator 28. The sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34 extends linearly through the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20.

[0021] 1-14 , in accordance with various aspects of the device, the magnetic field 34 of the magnet assembly 10 utilizes the first magnetic flux concentrator 24 and the second magnetic flux concentrator 28 to direct the magnetic field 34 of the magnet 32 ​​in a particular orientation as it passes through the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20. The sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34 is oriented in a generally linear orientation 62. In this manner, the magnetic flux path 64 of the magnetic field 34 is directed in a straight, linear path through the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20 of the PCB 18. Accordingly, the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20 is positioned within a sensing region 66 defined between the first magnetic flux concentrator 24 and the second magnetic flux concentrator 28. The magnetic field 34 extends through the sensing region 66. Movement of the selector 16 then moves the magnet assembly 10 and the magnetic field 34 relative to the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20. In this manner, the movement of the selector 16 and the magnetic field 34 relative to the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20 is communicated to the controller 92 for operating the mechanical assembly 68 .

[0022] As described more fully herein, this configuration creates a substantial sensing region 66 between the first magnetic flux concentrator 24 and the second magnetic flux concentrator 28 within which the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20 is located. The orientation and dimensional characteristics of the sensing region 66 allow for certain manufacturing tolerances in the position and orientation of the PCB 18, magnetic sensor 20, first magnetic flux concentrator 24 and second magnetic flux concentrator 28, and magnet 32 ​​within the selector assembly 12 without compromising the resolution of the magnet assembly 10 and magnetic field 34 relative to the magnetic sensor 20.

[0023] 2-14 , the PCB 18 is mounted to a selector housing 90 that at least partially surrounds the body 22 of the selector 16. Accordingly, the PCB 18 and the magnetic sensor 20 are in a generally fixed position within the selector housing 90. The selector 16 moves within the selector housing 90 relative to the PCB 18 and the magnetic sensor 20. The body 22 of the selector 16 includes an inner surface 102 that defines a sensor cavity 110 that receives the magnet assembly 10. The magnet assembly 10 is mounted to the inner surface 102 of the body 22 to position the magnet assembly 10 relative to the PCB 18 and the magnetic sensor 20 and to define the location of the sensing region 66 of the magnet assembly 10.

[0024] As described herein, the selector 16 operates relative to a selector housing 90. The selector housing 90 is mounted to a panel or other location on the vehicle or other accessory equipment that contains the user interface 14. The magnet assembly 10 is typically attached to the body 22 of the selector 16 by insert injection molding, adhesives, fasteners, combinations thereof, and other similar attachment methods and mechanisms.

[0025] As illustrated in FIGS. 2-14 , a user operates the body 22 of the selector assembly 16 to make certain selections on the user interface 14. When the user manipulates the body 22, it operates the magnet assembly 10 and, in turn, the magnetic field 34 relative to the PCB 18 and the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20. The movement of the magnet assembly 10 and the magnetic field 34 is monitored by the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20. This movement of the sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34 is detected and monitored by the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20. The magnet sensor 20 and PCB 18 monitor these movements and convert these movements of the sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34 into corresponding signals that are transmitted or otherwise communicated to the controller 92. The controller 92 couples to and, in turn, operates a mechanical assembly 68 in communication with the selector assembly 12. As described herein, the mechanical assembly 68 may take the form of a shift-by-wire mechanism or other assembly to perform a particular action or set of actions.

[0026] 1-14 , at least a portion of the magnet assembly 10 is insert injection molded within the body 22 of the selector 16. In this manner, the first magnetic flux concentrator 24 and the second magnetic flux concentrator 28 are insert injection molded to form a magnet receptacle 94 between these components. The magnet receptacle 94 can receive the magnet 32 ​​that directs the magnetic field 34 through the first magnetic flux concentrator 24 and the second magnetic flux concentrator 28. In such an embodiment of the device, the magnet 32 ​​is inserted into the magnet receptacle 94 and attached to the first magnetic flux concentrator 24 and the second magnetic flux concentrator 28 by adhesive, welding, combinations thereof, and other similar attachment methods. It is further contemplated that the magnet 32 ​​can be insert injection molded within the selector body 22 along with the first magnetic flux concentrator 24 and the second magnetic flux concentrator 28.

[0027] Additionally, it is contemplated that in certain aspects of the device, the magnet assembly 10 or portions of the magnet assembly 10 may be attached to the body 22 through a variety of fasteners that may be used to hold the magnet assembly 10 within the body 22 of the selector 16. These various fastening mechanisms and methods may include fasteners, interference mechanisms, combinations thereof, and other similar attachment types.

[0028] 2-14 , the space between the output surface 38 of the first magnetic flux concentrator 24 and the input surface 40 of the second magnetic flux concentrator 28 forms a sensing region 66 of the magnet assembly 10. The three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20 is disposed within the sensing region 66. Movement of the body 22 for the selector 16 causes the magnet assembly 10 to move about at least one rotational axis 112. Thus, as the magnet assembly 10 and the sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34 move, the sensing region 66 and the orientation of the magnetic field 34 passing through the sensing region 66 also change. As the sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34 extends through the sensing region 66, the change in orientation of the magnet assembly 10 and the sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34 is detected by the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20. The body 22 of the selector 16 can move according to one or more rotational axes 112. In certain embodiments of the device, the body 22 can move about a single rotational axis 112 relative to the magnet sensor 20 and PCB 18. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the body 22 may operate according to other directional paths, such as a general ball and socket, a linear path, an axial path, combinations thereof, and other similar operating paths.

[0029] The magnets 32 of the selector assembly 12 may take the form of NdFeB magnets, other neodymium magnets, other permanent magnets, combinations thereof, and other similar magnetic materials. It is contemplated that the first magnetic flux concentrator 24 and the second magnetic flux concentrator 28 will typically be made from a first material in the form of iron, steel, various ferrous materials, combinations thereof, and other similar materials capable of forming a magnetic field path 64 or path of least reluctance that can direct the magnetic field 34 to form the sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34. Other ferrous materials can be used to form the first magnetic flux concentrator 24 and the second magnetic flux concentrator 28.

[0030] 6-14 , each magnetic flux concentrator 60 of first magnetic flux concentrator 24 and second magnetic flux concentrator 28 may include a neck portion 130 and a head portion 132. Neck portion 130 extends from magnet can 94 and engages head portion 132 of magnetic flux concentrator 60, typically within a side surface 134 of head portion 132. This orientation positions head portion 132 in an offset configuration 136 relative to a transverse plane 138 of neck 130 relative to magnetic flux concentrator 60. Neck 130 also includes an axial section 140 that extends outwardly from pole end 142 of magnet 32. In this manner, axial section 140 of neck 130 extends outwardly in the opposite direction from pole end 142 of magnet 32.

[0031] 6-14 , these axial sections 140 help provide a magnetic flux path 64 for the magnetic field 34 that extends through the heads 132, output faces 38, and input faces 40 of the first and second magnetic flux concentrators 24, 28, respectively. Additionally, this offset configuration of the heads 132 can be utilized to direct the magnetic flux path 64 of the magnetic field 34 through the sensor portion 36. In this manner, the magnetic field 34 extends in a generally linear magnetic flux path 64 through the sensing region 66 that defines the sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34. Having the output face 38 of the first magnetic flux concentrator 24 and the input face 40 of the second magnetic flux concentrator 28 in an offset configuration creates a path of least reluctance that directs the magnetic field 34 through the linear magnetic flux path 64 of the sensor portion 36 relative to the magnetic field 34. At the same time, the magnetic field 34 within the sensor portion 36 is prevented from escaping away from the sensor portion 36 toward the necks 130 of the first magnetic flux concentrator 24 and the second magnetic flux concentrator 28. As described herein, the configuration of the magnet assembly 10 generates a linear magnetic flux path 64 in the sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34. In certain aspects of the device, the magnetic flux concentrator 60 may include a longer axial portion 140, a shorter axial portion 140, or an axial portion incorporated within the transverse section 138.

[0032] 6-14, the shapes of neck portion 130 and head portion 132 are illustrated in representative, non-limiting configurations. The shape and contour of magnetic flux concentrator 60 may be rounded, polygonal, combinations thereof, as well as other similar configurations. Magnetic flux concentrator 60 is configured to direct magnetic field 34 of magnet 32 ​​from magnet 32 ​​to sensor portion 36, creating a generally linear orientation of magnetic flux path 64 in sensor portion 36.

[0033] According to various aspects of the device, the selector 16 may take the form of a lever that operates about at least one axis of rotation 112. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the selector 16 may operate about multiple axes of rotation 112 such that the selector 16 provides for forward / backward movement and left / right movement, as well as variations therebetween. In certain aspects of the device, the selector 16 may also take the form of a switch, a dial, a linearly operable mechanism, and other similar user interface devices. Typically, the selector 16 takes the form of a lever, a switch, or other similarly operable user interface.

[0034] As described herein, movement of the selector 16, typically in a rotational configuration, corresponds to movement of the magnet assembly 10 and the sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34 relative to the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20. The movements of the sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34 are monitored by the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20. These movements correspond to commands that the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20 provides to the controller 92 to operate a particular mechanical assembly 68 attached to the selector assembly 12.

[0035] Furthermore, it is contemplated that the selector 16 may include an axial portion 120, such as an axial selection interface. The axial portion 120 may include various interface mechanisms, including, but not limited to, a button, a sleeve, a toggle, or other axially operable switch. The axial portion 120 of the selector 16 may move along a longitudinal axis 122 of the selector 16 relative to the sensor cavity 110. As such, the axial portion 120 typically moves in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 122 of the selector 16. Manipulation of the axial portion may cause corresponding axial movement of the magnet assembly 10 or a portion of the magnet assembly 10 relative to the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20 of the PCB 18. These axial movements of the magnet assembly 10 also cause changes in the sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34. Similar to the rotational movement of the selector 16, these axial movements of the selector 16 may also be monitored by the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20 to provide a signal to the controller 92.

[0036] It is contemplated that in certain embodiments of the device, the magnet assembly 10 may be mounted to the selector housing 90 and the magnet sensor 20 may be mounted to the selector 16. In such embodiments of the device, actuation of the selector 16 moves the fixed magnet assembly 10 and the magnet sensor 20 within the fixed magnetic field 34 of the magnet assembly 10. In this manner, movement of the magnet sensor 20 within the fixed linear flux path 64 of the magnetic field 34 is communicated to the controller 92.

[0037] 6 and 7 , it is contemplated that the three-dimensional magnet sensor 20 may include a three-dimensional Hall sensor. The three-dimensional Hall sensor may include, in a non-limiting example, a dual-die three-dimensional Hall sensor. The dual-die three-dimensional Hall sensor may be positioned on one side of the PCB 18. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more single-die Hall sensors may be positioned on the opposite side of the PCB 18. Working together, these Hall sensors may detect movement of the sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34 through three corresponding axes of rotation 112 or three distinct orientations of movement. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the three-dimensional magnet sensor 20 may include one or more sensors that interact with the sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34. With this configuration, the one or more Hall sensors may monitor the movement and operation of the sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34 as the magnet assembly 10 and selector 16 move relative to the PCB 18 within the selector housing 90. Additional Hall sensors may be included within the magnet sensor 20 to monitor and detect other directions of movement of the sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34.

[0038] According to various aspects of the device, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 , the selector assembly 12 may include a selector housing 90 having an outer housing 160. Furthermore, the selector housing 90 may include various internal boards 162. These boards 162 may be used to position the internal components of the selector assembly 12. By way of example and not limitation, the body 22 of the selector 16 as well as various components of the controller 92 may be mounted to the boards 162. Various indicia 164 may be mounted to a portion of the outer housing 160 to provide instructions regarding the operation of the selector 16 for the selector assembly 12.

[0039] 1-10 , selector 16 includes a detent mechanism 180 having a detent pin 182. Detent pin 182 operates in conjunction with a detent surface 184 defined by a portion of selector housing 90. Detent surface 184 is positioned about at least a portion of body 22 for selector 16.

[0040] In some embodiments of the device, the detent pin 182 and detent surface 184 define a home position 186 and at least one shift position 188. In some embodiments of the device, the at least one shift position 188 can include two opposing shift positions 188 distal to the home position 186. These opposing shift positions 188 can be used to configure the selector 16 to cycle through a plurality of selector positions 190. In such embodiments of the device, the selector 16 can be moved forward and backward to cycle between various positions of the vehicle transmission, such as reverse, neutral, drive, manual, and other similar gear selections. Cycling through these gear positions can be achieved by depressing the selector 16 into the shift position 188 or by moving the selector 16 into the shift position 188 a certain number of times to change the selector position 190. In this version of the device, the selector 16 can be biased toward the home position 186 by a detent spring 192 extending between the detent pin 182 and the body 22 of the selector 16, and the detent pin 182 and the detent spring 192 are used to bias the body 22 of the selector 16 toward the home position 186.

[0041] In some variations of the device, the detent pin 182 and the detent surface 184 can define a plurality of selector positions 190. The detent surface 184 can include some type of contour that receives the detent pin 182 and maintains the position of the selector 16 at a detent position corresponding to the selector position 190. As described herein, the selector positions 190 can include various vehicle transmission settings. These vehicle transmission settings can include at least reverse, neutral, manual, and other similar vehicle transmission settings. The selector 16 can also be used to change the gear differential between two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, four-wheel-low-drive, and other similar differential settings. In this variation of the device, the detent pin 182, the detent spring 192, and the detent surface 184 can operate to bias the detent pin 182 and the selector 16 body 22 toward the nearest selector position 190.

[0042] According to various aspects of the device, the selector assembly 12 can be utilized within various mechanical assemblies. Such mechanical assemblies may include, but are not limited to, mechanical selector systems, shift-by-wire mechanisms for vehicle transmissions and vehicle differentials, combinations thereof, and other similar mechanical assemblies. Typically, a controller 92 for the selector assembly 12 places the three-dimensional magnet sensor 20 in communication with the mechanical assembly 68. In response, motion of the magnet assembly 10 and the sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34 is transmitted from the magnet sensor 20 on the PCB 18 to the mechanical assembly 68 via the controller 92 of the selector assembly 12.

[0043] 1-14 , selector assembly 12 includes selector body 22 operably positioned within selector housing 90. PCB 18 is mounted to selector housing 90 and includes magnetic sensor 20 for monitoring multi-directional movement of selector body 22. Magnet 32 ​​is mounted to selector body 22 and generates magnetic field 34. Magnetic flux concentrator assembly 210 is mounted to selector body 22. Magnetic flux concentrator assembly 210, which typically includes first magnetic flux concentrator 24 and second magnetic flux concentrator 28, is mounted to magnet 32, which generates magnetic field 34. Movement of body 22 produces corresponding movement of magnet 32 ​​and magnetic flux concentrator assembly 210 around magnetic sensor 20 of PCB 18. Magnetic flux concentrator assembly 210 is configured to define a sensor portion 36 of magnetic field 34. The sensor portion 36 is defined by a linear magnetic flux path 64 extending between the output face 38 and the input face 40 of the corresponding assembly 210. The magnetic sensor 20 is disposed between the output face 38 and the input face 40 and is in communication with the sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34. When the body 22 of the selector 16 is operated as described herein, the sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34 is manipulated relative to the magnetic sensor 20. The magnetic sensor 20 monitors these movements of the sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34 and transmits corresponding commands to the controller 92.

[0044] 14 , the first and second magnetic flux concentrators 24 and 28 of the magnet assembly 10 are used to direct the magnetic flux of the magnetic field 34 through the necks 130 of the first and second magnetic flux concentrators 24 and 28 and into the heads 132 of the first and second magnetic flux concentrators 24 and 28, respectively. The output and input faces 38 and 40 are positioned to direct linear magnetic flux paths 64 between the output and input faces 38 and 40. These linear magnetic flux paths 64 are in a generally linear orientation 62 and extend through the three-dimensional magnet sensor 20 in the stable linear orientation 62. With this configuration, manipulating the body 22 for the selector 16 changes the positioning of the magnet assembly 10 and the sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34 relative to the magnet sensor 20. Using this single magnet 32, the opposing first and second flux concentrators 24, 28 can direct the magnetic field 34 in a stable, linear orientation 62 of the magnetic flux path 64 that extends through the magnetic sensor 20 of the PCB 18 between the output face 38 and the input face 40 of the magnet assembly 10.

[0045] Instrumentation studies have shown that this configuration of magnet assembly 10, incorporating first and second flux concentrators 24 and 28 and single magnet 32, can account for various tolerances within selector assembly 12. Tolerances related to the positioning of first and second flux concentrators 24 and 28 and / or magnet 32 ​​within body 22 for selector 16, as well as tolerances for the positioning of PCB 18 within sensing region 66 of sensor cavity 110, are provided within this configuration of selector assembly 12. These tolerances can be within approximately 3 mm of deviation in any direction from the design location or orientation of the components. This deviation can occur within the positioning of first and second flux concentrators 24 and 28, the positioning of magnet 32, the positioning of PCB 18, the position of magnetic sensor 20, and the positions of other similar components within selector assembly 12.

[0046] Utilizing the magnet assembly 10 described herein, a single magnet 32 ​​can be used in combination with opposing first and second magnetic flux concentrators 24, 28 to interact with the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20 on the PCB 18. This component configuration results in a linear, highly oriented magnetic flux between the output face 38 of the first magnetic flux concentrator 24 and the input face 40 of the second magnetic flux concentrator 28, respectively. This linear magnetic flux path 64 extending between the first and second magnetic flux concentrators 24, 28 provides stable operation of the selector assembly 12 relative to the magnetic field 34 and the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20. This configuration reduces the system's sensitivity between the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20 and the magnetic field 34, providing greater tolerances in the manufacturing and assembly processes. Additionally, this configuration allows the north and south poles of the magnet 32 ​​to be offset to ensure alignment of the sensor portion 36 with respect to the magnetic field 34 within or near the corresponding output face 38 of the first magnetic flux concentrator 24 and input face 40 of the second magnetic flux concentrator 28. Accordingly, the three-dimensional magnetic sensor 20 can better interact with the sensor portion 36 of the magnetic field 34 within the sensing region 66.

[0047] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the described configurations and other components of the present disclosure are not limited to any particular materials, and other exemplary embodiments of the disclosures published herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials unless otherwise stated herein.

Claims

1. A selector, a printed circuit board having a three-dimensional sensor for monitoring multi-directional movement of the selector; a magnet assembly attached to the selector and in electromagnetic communication with the three-dimensional sensor, a first magnetic flux concentrator and a second magnetic flux concentrator defining a sensing region therebetween; and a magnet generating a magnetic field, the magnet engaging the first magnetic flux concentrator and the second magnetic flux concentrator to direct a linear flux path of the magnetic field through the sensing region, the three-dimensional sensor positioned within the sensing region, the linear flux path extending through the sensing region, movement of the selector adjusting the relative position of the magnet assembly and the linear flux path with respect to the three-dimensional sensor, and movement of the linear flux path with respect to the three-dimensional sensor communicated to a controller; a magnet assembly comprising: A selector assembly comprising:

2. The selector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the controller is in communication with a shift-by-wire mechanism of a vehicle transmission.

3. The selector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the selector moves about a single axis of rotation relative to the printed circuit board.

4. The selector assembly of claim 1 , wherein said three-dimensional sensor includes a plurality of sensors positioned within said sensing region and said linear magnetic flux path of said magnet assembly.

5. The selector assembly of claim 1 , wherein said first magnetic flux concentrator and said second magnetic flux concentrator are fabricated from a ferrous material.

6. The selector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the magnet is a NdFeB magnet.

7. The selector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the magnet assembly is attached to the selector.

8. The selector assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first magnetic flux concentrator and the second magnetic flux concentrator are insert injection molded within the body of the selector.

9. 9. The selector assembly of claim 8, wherein the body of the selector includes an inner surface defining a sensor cavity, and the printed circuit board is attached to an outer housing and extends into the sensor cavity to position the three-dimensional sensor within the sensing region of the magnet assembly.

10. 10. A selector assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the linear magnetic flux path extends through an output face of the first magnetic flux concentrator and an input face of the second magnetic flux concentrator, and the three-dimensional sensor is positioned between the output face and the input face.

11. a selector body operably disposed within the selector housing; a printed circuit board having a sensor mounted on the selector housing; a magnet attached to the selector body to generate a magnetic field; a magnetic flux concentrator assembly attached to the selector body and the magnet, the magnetic flux concentrator assembly configured to define a linear flux path for the magnetic field extending between an output face of the magnetic flux concentrator assembly and an input face of the magnetic flux concentrator assembly, the sensor being disposed within the linear flux path between the output face and the input face and in electromagnetic communication with a sensor portion of the magnetic field for monitoring multi-directional movement of the selector body; A selector assembly comprising:

12. The selector assembly of claim 11 , wherein the magnetic flux concentrator assembly includes a first magnetic flux concentrator defining the output face and a second magnetic flux concentrator defining the input face.

13. The selector assembly of claim 12 , wherein the first magnetic flux concentrator and the second magnetic flux concentrator are insert injection molded within the selector body.

14. 13. The selector assembly of claim 12, wherein said first and second magnetic flux concentrators are made from a ferrous material and said magnet is a NdFeB magnet.

15. A selector assembly as described in any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the selector body includes an inner surface defining a sensor cavity, and the printed circuit board is attached to an outer housing and extends into the sensor cavity to position the sensor within the sensor portion of the magnetic field.

16. A selector assembly comprising: a magnet attached to the selector body operable within the selector housing; a first magnetic flux concentrator and a second magnetic flux concentrator that direct the magnetic field of the magnet through a sensor portion of the magnetic field; a three-dimensional sensor disposed within the sensor portion and attached to the selector housing, wherein movement of the selector body causes the sensor portion of the magnetic field to move relative to the three-dimensional sensor, the three-dimensional sensor detecting the movement of the sensor portion and transmitting the movement of the sensor portion to a controller; A selector assembly comprising:

17. The selector assembly of claim 16 , wherein the sensor portion is defined by a linear flux path of the magnetic field of the magnet.

18. 17. The selector assembly of claim 16, wherein the first and second magnetic flux concentrators are insert injection molded within the selector body and positioned on opposite sides of a sensor cavity.

19. 17. The selector assembly of claim 16, wherein the selector body includes an inner surface defining a sensor cavity, and a printed circuit board is attached to an outer housing and extends into the sensor cavity to position the three-dimensional sensor within the sensor portion of the magnetic field.

20. A selector assembly according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the three-dimensional sensor comprises a plurality of sensors positioned within the sensor portion of the magnetic field.

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