Coupling Position Measurement Using Hall Sensors and Magnets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems cannot continuously measure the alignment and position of coupling members between rotating shafts during operation without introducing imbalance or requiring mechanical modifications to existing equipment.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a coupling member with resilient bushings and fixtures mounted using existing elements, equipped with sensors like Hall sensors and magnets to measure alignment and position changes, allowing for continuous operation without mechanical working.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measuring equipment is mounted on rotating shafts to continuously measure alignment, then measurement capability is improved, but imbalance is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnets mounted on the coupling member as intermediaries that can be detected by Hall sensors without requiring direct mechanical mounting on the rotating shafts. The magnets serve as mediators that transmit position information while maintaining the balance of the rotating shafts, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and imbalance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measuring equipment with magnetic field-based Hall sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical mounting on the shafts that would cause imbalance, while still enabling continuous alignment measurement through non-contact sensing of magnet positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If measuring equipment is installed on existing shafts, then measurement function is added, but mechanical working is required
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member serves as an intermediary carrier that already exists in the system. By mounting magnets on this existing component rather than installing new equipment on the shafts, the patent adds measurement functionality without requiring additional mechanical working on the shafts themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member is given multiple functions: it continues to serve its original purpose of elastically coupling the shafts while also carrying the magnets for measurement purposes. This multi-functionality approach adds measurement capability without requiring separate installation infrastructure.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment is performed during assembly, then initial alignment accuracy is improved, but continuous measurement capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary manual alignment during assembly to establish accurate initial alignment, and then supplements this with continuous automated measurement using Hall sensors and magnets. This combination preserves the benefits of manual alignment while adding continuous monitoring capability throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The Hall sensors continuously measure the positions of the magnets and provide feedback data about alignment changes during operation. This feedback mechanism maintains the initial alignment accuracy achieved during manual assembly by detecting and recording any deviations that occur during runtime.
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
Enables continuous detection of coupling errors, optimization of generator efficiency, and measurement of torque transferred, while avoiding imbalance and mechanical alterations.
Implementation Method 1
the fixture (10) comprises at least one sensor (15) arranged for position measurement between the first flange (3) and the shaft part (2)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system (S) for measuring the position of a coupling member (1) that comprises a shaft part (2), a first flange (3), a second flange (4) and a first resilient bushing (5), which secures the first flange (3) to the shaft part (2), and a second resilient bushing (6), which secures the second flange (4) to the shaft part (2). Each resilient bushing (5, 6) is arranged with a resilient yield between the respective flange (3, 4) and the shaft part (2). The flanges (3, 4) are intended to be secured to a respective first shaft (7) and second shaft (8). When the coupling member (1) is placed between the first shaft (7) and the second shaft (8), it is intended to transfer a rotation movement from the first shaft (7) to the second shaft (8). The system (S) further comprises at least a first head unit (9) mounted on a first fixture (10), where the first fixture (10) is designed to be mounted between the first flange (3) and the shaft part (2) via existing mounting elements for the first resilient bushing (5). The fixture (10) comprises at least one sensor (15) arranged for position measurement between the first flange (3) and the shaft part (2).