Composite Marking Ring for Bearing Position Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bearing arrangement position sensors with inductive sensors and ferrous marking rings are prone to interference from debris and contaminants, leading to incorrect position readings due to the wavy surface design.

Innovation Solution

A composite marking ring with a ferrous material ring having a wavy surface and an outer layer of non-ferrous filler material is used, maintaining a constant spacing with the inductive sensor to prevent debris accumulation and ensure accurate readings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a ferrous material marking ring with a wavy surface is used, then the inductive sensor can detect rotational angle position, but debris and contaminants accumulate on the wavy surface causing interference with magnetic flux and incorrect position readings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational angle position detectionVSAvoiddebris and contaminant interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The marking ring is segmented into two distinct functional layers: an inner ferrous material layer that generates the magnetic signal and an outer non-ferrous protective layer that prevents debris accumulation. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and contamination resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The non-ferrous outer layer acts as an intermediary between the ferrous marking ring and the environment. It protects the ferrous surface from direct contact with debris and contaminants while still allowing the magnetic field to pass through for detection, thus mediating between the need for signal generation and contamination protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the marking ring surface is made smooth, then debris accumulation is reduced, but the inductive sensor cannot detect position variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedebris accumulationVSAvoidposition detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The marking ring is segmented into two distinct functional layers: an inner ferrous material layer that generates the magnetic signal and an outer non-ferrous protective layer that prevents debris accumulation. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and contamination resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different surfaces of the marking ring have different qualities: the inner ferrous surface has magnetic properties necessary for detection, while the outer non-ferrous surface has contamination-resistant properties. This local differentiation of material properties allows the ring to simultaneously enable detection and prevent debris accumulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a composite marking ring with outer filler material layer is used, then debris prevention is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontaminant interferenceVSAvoidmarking ring structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The marking ring is constructed as a composite material structure combining ferrous and non-ferrous materials in a single integrated component. This composite approach prevents debris accumulation while maintaining detection functionality, and the integration of layers reduces overall structural complexity compared to separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The protective function and the marking function are merged into a single composite marking ring structure. The non-ferrous outer layer and ferrous inner layer are combined in one component, eliminating the need for separate protective covers or maintenance interventions, thus reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution effectively prevents debris and contaminants from interfering with the magnetic flux, providing precise rotational angle position detection by maintaining a clean interface between the ferrous marking ring and the inductive sensor.

Implementation Method 1

the inductive sensor detects a rotational angle position of a shaft or bearing ring connected to the marking ring based on a proximity of the wavy surface to the inductive sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic flux: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

an inductive sensor and a marking ring including a wavy surface comprised of a ferrous material. The inductive sensor detects a rotational angle position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3180590B1Composite material marking wave
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • EP3180590B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3180590B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3180590B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A position sensor for a bearing arrangement is provided. The position sensor includes at least one shaft or bearing ring, an inductive sensor, and a composite marking ring connected to the at least one shaft or bearing ring. The composite marking ring is spaced apart from and aligned with the inductive sensor and includes a ferrous material ring having a wavy surface with a plurality of projections with valleys therebetween facing the inductive sensor. The inductive sensor detects a rotational angle position of the at least one shaft or bearing ring based on a proximity of the wavy surface to the inductive sensor. An outer layer formed of a filler material is arranged at least on the wavy surface of the ferrous material ring. The filler material comprises a non-ferrous material and the outer layer provides a constant predetermined spacing between the composite marking ring and the inductive sensor.