Angle Encoder Pattern With Booster Channels for Finer Resolution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing angle encoders face limitations in angular resolution, accuracy, and miniaturization due to factors such as limited reading apparatus capability, difficulty in manufacturing small-size segments, and mechanical fragility, which restrict further improvements in resolution and precision.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an angle encoder with a (n,m) boosted cyclic Gray code pattern, comprising n base encoder channels and m Booster channels, where each segment stores binary 1 or 0, and the Booster channels are offset to enhance angular measurement precision, using a flexible printed circuit board or concentric rings, and readers measure capacitance, electrical signals, or optical signals to determine the current angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional Gray code patterns are used in angle encoders, then the device structure remains simple, but the angular measurement resolution and precision are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder pattern is segmented into multiple independent channels (n base channels and m Booster channels), each carrying specific binary information. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher angular resolution by combining information from multiple channels, effectively dividing the measurement task across multiple simpler components rather than requiring a single complex channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimensional Gray code sequence to a multi-dimensional code structure by introducing Booster channels with offset positions. Each Booster channel adds an additional dimension of binary information that, when combined with base channels, exponentially increases the angular resolution capability without proportionally increasing the physical size of the encoder disc.
2Measurement precision
If the number of encoder channels is increased to improve angular resolution, then measurement precision improves, but manufacturing complexity and fragility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical reading mechanisms with a more robust electrical or optical detection system. By using Booster channels with offset positions that can be read by stationary or minimally moving readers, the system reduces mechanical wear and fragility while maintaining high angular resolution through enhanced signal processing rather than mechanical precision.
3Measurement precision
If the encoder segments are made smaller to increase resolution, then angular measurement precision improves, but mechanical fragility and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reducing segment size in a single dimension, the invention adds dimensional complexity by introducing offset Booster channels. This allows the system to achieve higher effective resolution through the combination of multiple channels with different offset positions, thereby avoiding the need to manufacture progressively smaller and more fragile segments while still improving angular measurement capability.
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 approach increases the minimum cross-codeword width, reducing error possibilities and enabling higher angular measurement resolution, thus improving the accuracy and precision of angle detection beyond conventional Gray code limitations.
Implementation Method 1
readers measure capacitance, electrical signals, or optical signals to determine the current angle
Implementation Method 2
readers measure capacitance, electrical signals, or optical signals to determine the current angle
Implementation Method 3
readers measure capacitance, electrical signals, or optical signals to determine the current angle
Data Source
AI summary
An angle encoder has first and second components rotatable with respect to each other, and an encoder pattern having codewords for indicating the angle between the first and second components. The encoder pattern has a set of base encoder channels coded with a conventional Gray code, and a set of Booster channels for improving the resolution of angle measurement.