Contactless Sensor Coil Angles for Turbocharger Blade Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing contactless sensors face challenges in achieving high sensitivity and compact design while accurately detecting the position and speed of rotating blades in turbochargers, particularly due to limitations in electromagnetic field induction and sensing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A contactless sensor design featuring a first sensor coil arranged at a 30° to 85° angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, and a second sensor coil in a mirror-inverted position, allowing for precise alignment and increased eddy current generation, combined with a sensing circuit to detect changes in the electromagnetic field induced by rotating blades.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the sensor coils are arranged at angles between 30° and 85° with respect to the longitudinal axis, then the sensitivity and eddy current generation are improved, but the device complexity increases due to precise angular positioning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesensitivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the angular orientation of sensor coils between 30° and 85° relative to the longitudinal axis. This parameter optimization enhances eddy current generation and sensing sensitivity while maintaining a compact design. The specific angular range was determined through experimental validation to achieve optimal performance without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of moving object

If the first and second sensor coils are arranged in mirror-inverted positions with regard to a middle plane, then the compactness of the sensor design is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompactnessVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetry through mirror-inverted arrangement of the first and second sensor coils with respect to a middle plane. This asymmetric configuration achieves compact sensor design while the mirror-inverted symmetry provides a reference for precise manufacturing. The asymmetric placement optimizes the electromagnetic field distribution for detecting rotating blades.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Measurement precision

If the sensor is designed to detect thin blade structures with high precision, then the measurement precision is improved, but the use of energy increases due to enhanced electromagnetic field requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiduse of energy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing coil orientation angles and electromagnetic field parameters to enhance sensitivity for detecting thin blade structures. The angular parameters between 30° and 85° are specifically tuned to maximize eddy current generation in thin conductive materials, improving measurement precision while managing energy consumption through efficient field utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration enhances sensitivity and compactness, enabling precise detection of blade position and speed with higher eddy currents and improved signal variation, even in thin blade structures, thus improving the accuracy and efficiency of the sensing process.

Implementation Method 1

a first sensor coil (11) that is embodied to generate an electromagnetic field that induces eddy currents in an object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a second sensor coil (21) that is embodied to sense the electromagnetic field of the first sensor coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3062068B1Contactless sensor
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 TYCO ELECTRONICS BELGIUM EC
  • EP3062068B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3062068B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3062068B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention refers to a contactless sensor (8) for detecting an object (4), comprising: a first sensor coil (11) that is embodied to generate an electromagnetic field that induces eddy currents in the object (4), wherein the first coil (11) is arranged at a front end of a longitudinal sensor (8), a second sensor coil (21) that is embodied to sense the electromagnetic field of the first sensor coil (11), wherein the second sensor coil (21) is arranged at the front end of the longitudinal sensor (8).