Compact Position Sensing for Translational Drive Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for translational and rotational movements, such as lifting tables and roller shutters, face challenges with large space requirements and inadequate sensor data for precise position determination, leading to unreliable operation.
Innovation Solution
A compact sensor device with multiple display elements, each with different pitch circle diameters and no common prime factors, coupled to a control device, allows for precise position determination through angular position combinations without additional space-intensive sensors, enabling reliable operation without prior calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple display elements with different pitch circle diameters are used for position determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is segmented into multiple display elements (first, second, and third display elements), each with different pitch circle diameters and mounted on different display axes. Each display element is coupled to the actuating element and provides independent angular position measurements. This segmentation allows the system to determine device position through combination of angular positions from multiple elements, achieving high measurement precision without requiring a single complex sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-axis measurement to multi-dimensional measurement by mounting display elements on different display axes (first display axis, second display axis, third display axis). Each display element measures angular position around its own axis, creating a multi-dimensional sensor data set. This dimensional expansion enables unambiguous position determination across a wide range of movements without increasing individual sensor complexity
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to improve position determination, then measurement precision is improved, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple display elements and their associated sensors are merged into a single integrated sensor device. The first, second, and third display elements are all coupled to the same actuating element and housed within one compact unit. This merging approach achieves high measurement precision through combined angular position data while maintaining a compact installation footprint, avoiding the space requirements of multiple separate sensor systems
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device employs a nested structure where multiple display elements with different pitch circle diameters are arranged concentrically or in overlapping configurations. Smaller display elements can be positioned within the spatial envelope of larger ones, allowing multiple measurement functions to coexist in a compact package. This nesting enables high measurement precision without proportional increases in installation space
3Volume of moving object
If display elements with small pitch circle diameters are used, then device compactness is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on a single large display element for precision, the system segments the measurement function across multiple display elements with different pitch circle diameters. Each element contributes independent angular position data that, when combined, achieves high measurement precision. This segmentation allows the use of smaller, more compact display elements while maintaining overall measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary that processes and combines angular position data from multiple display elements. By mathematically combining the angular positions from display elements with different pitch circle diameters and display axes, the control device achieves high measurement precision even when individual display elements have small diameters. This intermediary processing compensates for the limited resolution of small display elements
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for the translational movement, in particular, of devices such as lifting tables, roller shutters, awnings, or the like. The device comprises a drive for generating a rotary movement and an actuating device to be arranged on a device. The actuating device has an actuating element rotatable about an actuating axis and coupled to the drive, a sensor device with a first sensor designed as an angle sensor for receiving sensor data to determine the position of the device, and a control device designed to control the drive depending on the sensor data. According to the invention, the sensor device comprises at least a first display element that is pivotably mounted about a first display axis that differs from the actuating axis and is coupled to the actuating element, wherein the first sensor is designed to measure the angular position of the first display element. (Fig. 2)