Variable Reluctance Angle Sensor in Roller Bearings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller bearing arrangements with angle sensors are not suitable for small types, such as deep groove ball bearings with diameters less than 40 mm, due to space constraints and complex installation requirements, and lack manufacturing advantages.
Innovation Solution
A roller bearing arrangement with an angle sensor operating on the principle of variable reluctance, featuring a sensor ring non-rotatably connected to a bearing ring and a material measure connected to the other ring, utilizing U-shaped pot cores and printed circuit coils for efficient space use and error compensation, allowing for simple assembly and high-temperature operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional angle sensor arrangement is used in small roller bearings, then the space requirement increases and installation complexity increases, but the bearing size is limited to less than 40 mm outer diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The angle sensor components are nested within the roller bearing structure. The sensor ring is integrated with the bearing rings, and the magnetic circuit elements are positioned within the bearing assembly, allowing the angle sensor to occupy minimal space within the small bearing while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle sensor is segmented into separate functional components (sensor ring, material measure, magnetic circuit elements) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for small dimensions while simplifying the overall installation process within the constrained bearing space.
2Ease of operation
If conventional angle sensor mounting methods are used, then the installation complexity increases, but the invention achieves particularly simple installation
Solution Approach 1:
The angle sensor components are merged with the roller bearing structure itself. The sensor ring is integrated with the bearing rings, and the magnetic circuit elements are positioned within the bearing assembly, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and simplifying installation to basic assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller bearing components serve dual functions: mechanical support and angle sensing. The bearing rings simultaneously provide mechanical guidance and serve as mounting surfaces for the sensor components, while the magnetic circuit elements serve both magnetic flux guidance and structural positioning functions.
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
The solution provides a compact, easily installable, and reliable angle measurement system suitable for small roller bearings, capable of withstanding high temperatures and shock/vibration loads, while minimizing capacitive coupling and shielding needs.
Implementation Method 1
an angle sensor (3) operating according to the principle of variable reluctance
Implementation Method 2
a signal can be transmitted via a magnetic circuit between the transmitting coil and the receiving coil and through the scale e variable reluctance is given in the magnetic circuit
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5
AI summary
A roller bearing arrangement (1) with an angle sensor (3) comprises a roller bearing (2) with which an angle sensor (3) which operates according to the principle of variable reluctance, which is embodied as an absolute value signal transmitter and which has a sensor ring (9) which is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to one of the bearing rings (4, 5) of the roller bearing (2) and a measuring scale (10) which is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the second bearing ring (5, 4) and is embodied as a ring, wherein coils (21, 22, 23), specifically at least one transmission coil (21) and at least one reception coil (22, 23), are arranged on the sensor ring (9), and the transmission coil (21) has an axis of symmetry which is identical to the rotational axis (R) and is arranged in an annular metallic pot core (11) which has a U-shaped cross section and is concentric with respect to the rotational axis (R) of the roller bearing (2), and a reception coil (22, 23) is arranged partially inside and partially outside the pot core (11).