Angular Sector Magnet for Precision Position Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic angular position sensor systems face challenges in accuracy due to complex magnetization requirements and the presence of ferromagnetic parts, making them difficult to produce and integrate in constrained spaces with limited volume.

Innovation Solution

A method using a magnetized body in the form of an angular sector with a magnetization vector parallel to a fixed magnetization plane, allowing for a simpler production process and improved accuracy by using a network of parallel electrical conductors to generate a magnetizing magnetic field.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a magnetized body with complex variable direction magnetization is used to achieve accurate angular position measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular position measurement accuracyVSAvoidmagnetization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the magnetization parameters from complex variable direction to simpler configurations. Specifically, it uses radially directed magnetization or alternating north-south polarity patterns that can be achieved with standard magnetization equipment, while still producing accurate angular position measurements through the magnetic field variations detected by the measurement cell

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs inexpensive ferrite permanent magnets with simplified magnetization patterns instead of expensive rare-earth magnets requiring complex magnetization. The simplified magnetization structure allows use of lower-cost materials and equipment while maintaining measurement functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Strength

If high current is used to generate strong magnetizing magnetic field, then magnetization strength is improved, but energy consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetization strengthVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary magnetization to the permanent magnet during the manufacturing process using optimized magnetization circuits and pole piece arrangements. This preliminary action creates sufficient residual magnetization that does not require high continuous current during operation, reducing energy consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the need for continuous high-current electromagnetic fields with a permanently magnetized structure that generates the required magnetic field passively. This substitution eliminates ongoing energy consumption while maintaining the magnetic field strength needed for accurate measurement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If complex magnetization geometry is implemented to achieve variable direction magnetization, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular position measurement accuracyVSAvoidproduction simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the magnetized body into discrete regions with uniform magnetization polarity (north and south poles). This segmentation allows each region to be magnetized independently using simple, uniform magnetic fields during manufacturing, avoiding the need for complex continuous variable direction magnetization while still creating the necessary magnetic field patterns for accurate measurement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables the determination of relative angular position with enhanced precision and ease of production, optimizing the magnetization angle and reducing the need for high current and expensive electronics.

Implementation Method 1

circulation of an electric current in the bundles of electrical conductors, the direction of circulation of the current... forming one or more outward bundles in which the current circulates according to a first direction... the current circulating in the bundles being able to generate, around the network and in the body of magnetizable material, a magnetizing magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a magnetized body in the form of an angular sector... having a magnetization whose magnetization vector... has a continuously variable direction in the magnetization plane as a function of the position of the point of the magnetized body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

at least a first measurement cell at a first measurement point, delivering two electrical signals respectively representative of a primary component and a secondary component of the magnetic field created by the magnetic body at the measurement point of the cell considered

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field measurement: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3867603B1Method and sensor system for determining a relative anglular position between two parts, and method for producing a magnetic element
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 ELECTRICFIL AUTOMOTIVE
  • EP3867603B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3867603B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3867603B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining a relative angular position between two parts about an axis of rotation (A) using a magnetised body (10) in the form of an angular sector curved about the axis of rotation (A), characterised in that the magnetisation plane (PM) of the magnetised body is parallel to the axis of rotation (A). The invention relates to a sensor system comprising such a magnetised body and to a method for producing such a magnetised body.