Angular Rotation Sensor Merging Angle and Torque Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power steering systems require multiple sensor circuitries for angular rotation measurement, which is undesirable due to the need for separate integrated circuits for steering angle and torque sensors.
Innovation Solution
An angular rotation sensor system comprising a first and second target with radially extending target members, a transmit coil, and a pair of receive coils with opposing magnetic polarities, where the target members match the shape and size of adjacent loop pairs, allowing for accurate measurement of angular rotation without the need for multiple sensor circuitries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensor circuitries are used for steering angle and torque sensing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines steering angle sensing and torque sensing into a single integrated sensor system. The sensor uses a magnet array attached to the steering shaft and a single Hall effect sensor assembly that can detect both angular position and torque-induced magnetic field distortions. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensor circuitries while maintaining measurement precision for both parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can measure angular position, detect torque magnitude and direction, and provide combined feedback for steering control. The Hall effect sensor assembly serves as a universal sensing element that responds to both rotational position and magnetic field changes caused by torque, making the system multi-functional without requiring additional components.
2Measurement precision
If separate integrated circuits are used for steering angle sensor and torque sensor, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of separate integrated circuits into a single sensor assembly. The Hall effect sensor chip integrates multiple sensing capabilities that were previously distributed across separate circuits for angle and torque measurement. This consolidation reduces the number of integrated circuits needed, simplifying manufacturing and reducing assembly steps while preserving measurement accuracy through the sensor's design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor system provides universal measurement capabilities for both steering angle and torque using a single circuit platform. The Hall effect sensor can operate in different modes to detect either angular position or torque-induced magnetic field changes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple sensor circuitries are implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single integrated sensor unit with unified signal processing. By merging the angle and torque sensing circuits into one system, the patent reduces the number of potential failure points associated with multiple separate circuitries. The integrated design includes shared reference voltage, common ground, and unified output processing, which simplifies the overall system and can improve reliability by reducing inter-circuit interference and connection failures.
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 system effectively measures angular rotation with reduced complexity, eliminating the need for separate integrated circuits and providing accurate torque and position data for assistive torque application in electric power steering systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first receive coil comprising a plurality of loops, the loops of the first receive coil laid out such that adjacent loops exhibit opposing magnetic polarities responsive to a radio frequency current injected into the transmit coil
Implementation Method 2
each of the target members of the first target and the second target is shaped and size to generally match a shape and size of a pair of adjacent ones of the plurality of loops
Data Source
AI summary
An angular rotation sensor system constituted of: a first target with a member radially extending from, and rotating about a longitudinal axis of the first target; a second target with a member radially extending from, and rotating about a longitudinal axis of the second target; a first receive coil comprising a plurality of loops laid out such that adjacent loops exhibit opposing magnetic polarities responsive to a radio frequency current injected into the transmit coil; a second receive coil comprising a plurality of loops laid out such that adjacent loops exhibit opposing magnetic polarities responsive to a radio frequency current injected into the transmit coil; and an output coupled to each of the first and second receive coils, wherein each of the members is shaped and sized to generally match a shape and size of a pair of loops.