Camshaft Actuator Gate Position Sensing Without External Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic actuator arrangements for camshaft adjustment in combustion engines face challenges in directly detecting the axial position of the shift gate, requiring additional sensors and increased installation space, which are costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic actuator arrangement with a detection device that includes magnetic or electric field detection means integrated into the actuator device, allowing for contactless interaction with the shift gate and eliminating the need for external sensors, enabling direct position detection with reduced installation space and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If Hall sensors are completely disposed inside the actuator housing for indirect armature position detection, then the sensor installation is simplified, but the axial position of the shift gate cannot be directly determined and additional sensors are required for multi-actuator systems
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic field is introduced as an intermediary between the detection means and the shift gate. The magnetic field is generated by a permanent magnet and interacts with the ferromagnetic shift gate, allowing the detection means to sense the shift gate's axial position without direct contact or internal housing placement, thus enabling direct position determination while simplifying installation
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical or electrical direct-contact sensing system is replaced with a magnetic field-based detection system. The detection means senses the magnetic field distortion caused by the ferromagnetic shift gate to determine position, eliminating the need for internal sensor placement and additional sensors for multi-actuator systems
2Measurement precision
If a separate sensor is arranged completely outside the actuator housing for direct shift gate position detection, then the axial position of the shift gate can be directly determined, but additional fastening elements, installation space, and wiring harness are required
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural enclosure, mounting integration for the detection means, and magnetic field shielding. The detection means itself serves dual purposes by generating the magnetic field and sensing the shift gate position, eliminating the need for separate fastening elements and wiring harnesses
Solution Approach 2:
The detection means is merged with the actuator housing structure, combining the sensor mounting function with the housing's protective and structural roles. This integration eliminates the need for separate fastening elements and reduces wiring complexity by utilizing the existing actuator electrical connections
3Measurement precision
If 3D sensors are used to detect the direction of the magnetic field by means of vertical and oblique magnetic field lines, then the exact position in three space directions can be determined, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using expensive 3D sensors that detect all three spatial dimensions, the invention uses a simpler detection means that only measures the axial component of the magnetic field. This partial measurement approach is sufficient for the application requirements, as only the axial position of the shift gate needs to be determined, not its lateral or rotational position
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field geometry is specifically designed so that the axial field component varies uniquely with the axial position of the shift gate. By optimizing the permanent magnet geometry and positioning, the system creates a local magnetic field configuration where a single detection point can accurately determine axial position without needing three-dimensional sensing capabilities
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 cost-effective, flexible, and high-quality position detection of the shift gate, reducing design complexity and installation space requirements while eliminating the need for additional sensors, thus enhancing the efficiency and reliability of camshaft adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
which comprises at least one magnetic field and/or electric field detection means which is designed to create and/or detect a detection field acting directly on the shift gate
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic actuator device which is particularly suitable as a camshaft adjustment device and which has an armature unit which can be driven along the or parallel to the axial direction in response to an energization of a stationary, axially oriented coil unit
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator arrangement comprising an electromagnetic actuator device (2), in particular a camshaft adjusting device, having a housing (4) and at least one armature unit which can be driven, in response to the energization of a stationary, axially aligned coil unit, in or parallel to the axial direction and which is designed to interact with at least one slide and/or tappet unit (6, 7) extending in the axial direction, in particular a tappet unit (6, 7) effecting a camshaft adjustment of an internal combustion engine, and at least one switching gate (12) which can be arranged on a slide cam (14) and through which a transverse central plane (56) passes, wherein the actuator device (2) comprises a detection device for contactless magnetic and/or electrical interaction with the switching gate (12), which detection device comprises at least one magnetic field and/or electric field detection means which is designed to produce and/or detect a detection field acting directly on the switching gate (12), and a detection field evaluation means (32) which is designed to determine the position of the switching gate (12) by means of the measured detection field, the magnetic field and/or electric field detection means being arranged at least partially outside the housing (4).