Contactless Linear Position Sensor Using Embedded Magnet and RF Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional position sensors in aircraft systems, such as braking systems, suffer from wear and damage due to physical contact, necessitating the development of contactless sensors to reduce these issues.
Innovation Solution
A contactless position sensor system utilizing a piston with a magnet embedded in a tab, coupled with an RF-based magnetic sensor that includes an electronic circuit and antenna, positioned within a housing channel to detect linear displacement without physical contact, transmitting positional data to a sensor interface for processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional position sensors with moving parts or physical contact are used, then the sensor can detect position, but the sensor components become worn or damaged from continued use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based position sensing with a magnetic field-based sensing system. A magnet is coupled to the piston, and an RF-based magnetic sensor detects the magnet's position through magnetic field interactions without physical contact. This substitution of mechanical systems with electromagnetic fields eliminates wear and damage caused by continuous physical contact while maintaining position detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the piston and the sensor. The magnet coupled to the piston generates a magnetic field that serves as the mediator, allowing the RF-based magnetic sensor to detect piston position indirectly through field interactions rather than direct mechanical contact, thereby preventing wear and damage.
2Reliability
If contactless sensing is implemented, then wear and damage are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like magnets and RF sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The RF-based magnetic sensor integrates the antenna, electronic circuit, and magnetic detection capabilities into a single unit. The magnet is embedded in a tab coupled to the piston, merging the positioning element with the piston assembly. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system structure while achieving contactless sensing.
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 system effectively detects the linear position of the piston between fully extended and retracted positions, reducing wear and damage while providing accurate positional data for aircraft systems, and can be applied to various applications beyond aircraft, including existing braking systems and electromechanical actuators.
Implementation Method 1
a RF-based magnetic sensor positioned within a portion of the channel and configured to detect the position of the magnet within the piston
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
A contactless sensor includes a magnet (212) coupled to a piston (204) that is located within a housing (206). A sensor (210) capable of detecting the position of the magnet (212) is coupled to the housing (206). The sensor may send linear position data to a sensor interface (330) for processing.