Electromagnetic Camshaft Adjuster Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camshaft-adjuster devices face difficulties in reliably determining the current position and state of the armature unit due to unreliable induction voltage signals, which are influenced by factors like engine speed and temperature, making it challenging to detect malfunctions accurately.
Innovation Solution
The integration of stationary magnetic field detection means using permanent magnets and Hall or AMR sensors allows for reliable axial position determination of the armature unit, independent of coil induction voltage, enabling precise detection of the armature and tappet positions through magnetic field changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If induction voltage sensing is used to detect armature position, then the detection method is simple, but the detection reliability deteriorates due to dependence on engine speed, temperature, and movement velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical induction sensing system with a magnetic field-based detection system. Instead of using coil induction voltage that depends on movement velocity and engine speed, the invention uses permanent magnets attached to the armature and adjusting unit that interact with stationary magnetic field detection means, providing reliable position detection independent of mechanical movement conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces permanent magnets as intermediary elements between the moving components (armature and adjusting unit) and the stationary detection means. These magnets create a magnetic field that serves as a reliable intermediary signal carrier, eliminating the need for direct electrical contact or induction-based sensing that is affected by operating conditions
2Device complexity
If induction coil voltage evaluation is used, then the sensing mechanism is simple, but the ability to detect stationary end positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces induction coil voltage evaluation with magnetic field detection using permanent magnets and Hall sensors. This substitution enables precise detection of stationary end positions because the magnetic field presence or absence can be detected regardless of whether the armature is moving or stationary, unlike induction voltage which requires motion to generate a signal
3Reliability
If complicated electronic signal evaluation is used to determine tappet position, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic signal evaluation with a simpler magnetic field detection system. The permanent magnets provide clear magnetic field signals that can be directly interpreted by stationary detection means, eliminating the need for complicated electronic analysis of induction voltages and reducing both device complexity and manufacturing effort while maintaining reliable malfunction detection
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 solution provides a simple, reliable, and manufacturing-efficient method to determine the camshaft adjusting state and position, ensuring accurate detection of armature and tappet positions across various operating conditions, independent of movement velocity and ambient factors.
Implementation Method 1
the housing or supporting unit receiving the camshaft-adjuster device is associated with stationary magnetic field detection means, which interact with permanent magnet means that are moveable corresponding to the armature unit movement
Implementation Method 2
designed as sensor means realised as Hall sensors, GMR or AMR sensors
Implementation Method 3
the armature unit comprises a permanent magnet unit within the framework of the electromagnetic adjusting device itself, which permanent magnet unit advantageously for example through energising of the coil unit carries out a feed movement
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic camshaft-adjuster device having an armature unit (14, 42) drivable along an axial direction in reaction of a current feed of a stationary inductor unit (10), which for interacting with an adjusting unit (16, 48) causing adjustment of a camshaft of an internal combustion engine is configured with a slide and/or tappet unit, wherein on and/or in the armature unit and/or the adjusting unit, a permanent magnet element (20, 44) is provided and the inductor unit and the armature unit are at least partially received in a housing or supporting unit, and wherein the supporting unit is associated with a configured stationary magnetic field detection element (22, 38) preferably for contactless magnetic interaction with the permanent magnet element, which is configured so that in a current feed condition and a non current feed condition the inductor unit an axial position of the armature unit and/or the adjusting unit can be determined electronically by evaluating a magnetic field detection signal of the magnetic field detection element.