Angular Position Sensor Using Annular Member and Magnetic Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing angular position sensors for rotating shafts are complex and require precise mechanical adjustments, often involving multiple components and precise positioning of magnetic elements, which complicates their construction and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

An angular position sensor design featuring an annular member with a permanent magnet and a support structure with a through hole allowing radial movement, eliminating the need for additional mechanical guides by leveraging the existing rotational guidance of the shaft, and using elastic gaskets for sealing and axial retention, thus simplifying the assembly and reducing precision requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complex mechanical elements and precise positioning mechanisms are used in angular position sensors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular position detection precisionVSAvoidsensor construction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the magnetic element from the rotating shaft assembly and places it in a separate, freely rotatable annular member that couples to the shaft. This separation allows the magnetic element to be independently positioned and secured in the support structure, eliminating the need for complex mechanical positioning mechanisms while maintaining measurement precision through magnetic field interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning and guiding mechanisms with a magnetic field-based detection system. The sensor device detects angular position through magnetic field variations caused by the permanent magnet, eliminating the need for precise mechanical alignment and guiding elements between the annular member and support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multiple components and precise adjustments are used in angular position sensors, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor operation reliabilityVSAvoidsensor assembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the magnetic element housing and the support structure into an integrated assembly where the annular member with the magnetic element is secured directly to the support structure. This integration reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps while maintaining reliable operation through the combined structural support and magnetic field generation functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the sensor device, holds the annular member with the magnetic element, and establishes the reference frame for angular position detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If precise mechanical guidance and positioning are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular position detection precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the magnetic element from the rotating shaft assembly and places it in a separate, freely rotatable annular member that couples to the shaft. This separation allows the magnetic element to be independently positioned and secured in the support structure, eliminating the need for complex mechanical positioning mechanisms while maintaining measurement precision through magnetic field interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning and guiding mechanisms with a magnetic field-based detection system. The sensor device detects angular position through magnetic field variations caused by the permanent magnet, eliminating the need for precise mechanical alignment and guiding elements between the annular member and support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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, cost-effective, and reliable angular position sensor with precise operation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical elements and allowing easy mounting within existing bearing structures, while protecting against impacts.

Implementation Method 1

a housing in which a permanent magnet is located... a sensor device capable of detecting variations in the magnetic field caused by said permanent magnet upon rotating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS8674686B2Angular position sensor for a rotating shaft

Publication Date: 2014.03.18 PIHER SENSORS & CONTROLS SA

AI summary

The angular position sensor is for assembly on a rotating shaft rotationally guided in a support structure, and includes an annular member having an inner surface socketed on the rotating shaft without relative rotation therebetween, and a housing in which a permanent magnet is inserted. A support is provided having a through hole through which the rotating shaft and the annular member extend, the through hole having an inner surface opposite and close to the annular member with a radial allowance, a cavity housing a sensor device capable of detecting variations in the magnetic field caused by the permanent magnet upon rotating with respect to the support together with the annular member, and an anchoring configuration by which the support is secured to a fixed structure.