Adjustable Position Detection Assembly for Motorized Gates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing position detection arrangements for doors and gates often have a coarse resolution due to unchangeable reduction ratios, leading to complex and expensive assembly and commissioning processes, and may not suffice for larger gates, with limited flexibility in angular resolution and potential damage from incorrect installation.

Innovation Solution

A sensor arrangement featuring Hall sensors or AMR/THR sensors interacting with permanent magnets on rotatably mounted sensor gear wheels, allowing for adjustable angular resolution and multiple revolution detection, combined with a gear stage and preloaded spur gear teeth for reduced play and wear, and a programming switch for setting angular resolutions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed reduction ratio is used between the drive shaft and switching shaft, then the transmission is simple, but the angular resolution is coarse and may not suffice for large gates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission simplicityVSAvoidangular resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the reduction ratio adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit can dynamically select different reduction ratios (e.g., 1:1, 1:2, 1:4) based on the gate size and requirements, allowing the system to adapt between simplicity and precision as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the number of sensor gears is increased to improve resolution, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection resolutionVSAvoidsensor arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the sensor arrangement into multiple independent sensor gears, each with a specific number of teeth (e.g., 40, 80, 160). Each sensor gear can be independently controlled and read by its associated sensor element, allowing the system to achieve high resolution without requiring a single complex sensor mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the dimensionality change principle by transitioning from a single 360-degree detection angle to multiple detection angles through different sensor gears with different tooth counts. This allows the system to cover a larger angular range (e.g., 720 degrees or more) while maintaining simple individual sensor elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If the detection angle is limited to 360 degrees, then the sensor arrangement is simple, but the position detection range is insufficient for large gates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor arrangement simplicityVSAvoidposition detection range
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the merging principle by combining multiple sensor gears with different tooth counts to achieve a cumulative detection range exceeding 360 degrees. The control unit integrates signals from all sensor elements to determine the total angular position, effectively merging the detection capabilities of individual sensors into a comprehensive position detection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Length of moving object

If the reduction ratio is changed to accommodate different gate sizes, then the position detection range is improved, but the assembly and commissioning complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection rangeVSAvoidassembly and commissioning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the reduction ratio to be adjusted as a configurable parameter rather than a fixed mechanical design. The control unit can be programmed with different reduction ratios (e.g., 1:1, 1:2, 1:4) to match different gate sizes, eliminating the need for complex mechanical reconfiguration during assembly and commissioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution provides a simple, reliable, and cost-effective position detection system with adjustable resolution, preventing damage from incorrect installation and enabling flexible connection to drive devices, while minimizing assembly complexity and ensuring accurate position monitoring across multiple revolutions.

Implementation Method 1

each sensor element being designed as a Hall sensor, an AMR sensor, or a THR sensor, which interacts with a permanent magnet rigidly connected to the respective sensor gear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 2

each sensor element being designed as a Hall sensor, an AMR sensor, or a THR sensor, which interacts with a permanent magnet rigidly connected to the respective sensor gear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetoresistance: Magnetoresistance

Implementation Method 3

each sensor element being designed as a Hall sensor, an AMR sensor, or a THR sensor, which interacts with a permanent magnet rigidly connected to the respective sensor gear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTunneling resistance:

Data Source

PatentEP3712564B1Position detecting assembly for doors or gates movable by a driving device
Publication Date: 2023.01.11 FRABA
  • EP3712564B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3712564B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A position detection arrangement for doors or gates movable by a drive device, comprising a housing arrangement (4) in which a switching shaft (20) is provided which is operatively connected to a drive shaft of the drive device, wherein a sensor arrangement (14) for position detection of the switching shaft (20) and a control unit (12) are provided, wherein the sensor arrangement (14) is electronically connected to the control unit (12), which in turn is operatively connected to the drive device, wherein the sensor arrangement (14) has a switching gear (42; 42') operatively connected to the switching shaft (20) which meshes with at least two sensor gears (38, 40; 38', 40'), wherein the at least two sensor gears (38, 40; 38', 40') have a different number of teeth and wherein each sensor gear (38, 40; 38', 40') has a non-contact sensor element (26, 28) is assigned.