Angular Position Sensor Using Segmented Magnetic Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-precision magnetic and electromagnetic measurement devices for angular position are insufficient for certain applications due to limited precision.
Innovation Solution
A high-precision device with a support disc, first and second magnetic elements, and sensors that utilize a second set of magnetic elements arranged circumferentially on the support disc's periphery to measure angular position, allowing for precise calculation of the reference point's position by determining the active dipole and increment value measured by a second sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional magnetic sensors (360° hall effect, sine/cosine measurement) are used, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient for certain applications
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement range is segmented into multiple zones, each covered by a magnetic element extending between upstream and downstream ends. The second sensor measures increment values distributed over a single active magnetic element, dividing the full angular measurement into manageable segments that can be precisely measured and then combined
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-sensor angular measurement to a two-dimensional measurement approach: the first sensor provides coarse angular position while the second sensor provides fine increment measurement within an active magnetic element zone. This dimensional division enables high-precision measurement without requiring a single complex sensor
2Measurement precision
If the angular dimension of the second magnetic element is reduced to improve precision, then more magnetic elements are needed to cover 360°, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each magnetic element is designed to be multi-functional: it serves as both a positional marker and a measurement zone for the second sensor. The same magnetic element structure provides both the reference for angular positioning and the distributed increment measurements, eliminating the need for additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple sensors into a coordinated system where the first sensor identifies the active magnetic element zone and the second sensor provides precise increment measurement within that zone. This combination allows using fewer, larger magnetic elements while maintaining high precision through the collaborative measurement approach
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 configuration provides enhanced precision in angular position measurement by distributing measurement increments over a reduced angular dimension, allowing for accurate determination of the reference point's position relative to the origin.
Implementation Method 1
a first angular position sensor, cooperating with the first magnetic element, to measure an approximate angular position
Implementation Method 2
at least one second magnetic sensor, arranged at the point of origin, cooperating with the second assembly to measure, for a second magnetic element located opposite this second sensor, an increment value
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The device (10) comprises a disk (12) carrying a point (P) that rotates about an axis (Z). A first sensor (14) cooperates with a first magnetic element (16) fixed to the disk (12) to measure an approximate angular position (θa) of the point (P) relative to an origin (O). Second magnetic elements (22) are arranged circumferentially around the periphery of the disk (12). A second sensor (18) is positioned at the origin (O) to measure, for a second magnetic element (22) located opposite this second sensor (18), the angular position of an upstream end (22A) of this second magnetic element (22) relative to the origin (O). Means (26) determine which second element (22) is located opposite the second sensor (18), based on the approximate angular position (θa).Means (30) calculate a precise angular position (θ) of the reference point (P), as a function of the second element (22) determined and the value measured by the second sensor (18).