Cylinder Piston Position Detection via Vectorial Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the position of a cylinder piston in hydraulic or pneumatic systems are either mechanically weakening, costly, or prone to measurement inaccuracies due to interference effects from external factors like temperature and mechanical strain, especially in large cylinders.
Innovation Solution
A vectorial measurement method using a multi-gate system with ports for coupling and decoupling electrical signals, which determines the piston position by analyzing scattering parameters such as transmission factors S21 or S12, allowing for more accurate and reliable position determination under varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a magnetorestrictive measurement element is integrated into the cylinder, then position determination accuracy is improved, but the cylinder structure is weakened and integration costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems (magnetorestrictive elements requiring drilled piston rods) with an electromagnetic field-based measurement system. Electrical signals are coupled into the cylinder interior through ports and interact with the piston to determine position without mechanical modification, thereby maintaining cylinder strength while achieving precise position determination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cable conduits for measurement electronics are integrated within the cylinder, then measurement functionality is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement electronics from the cylinder interior and places them outside. Only electrical signals need to be coupled into the cylinder through ports, eliminating the need for complex internal cable conduits and measurement electronics integration, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining measurement functionality.
3Loss of information
If impedance measurement is performed with external coupling means, then position information can be obtained, but interference effects from external unstable impedance amounts reduce measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the measured impedance signal is processed to distinguish between useful cylinder impedance and external interference. The evaluation unit analyzes the impedance changes and separates interference amounts from the useful measurement signal, providing accurate position information despite external unstable impedance conditions.
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 approach provides faster and more precise piston position measurement, reducing interference effects and maintaining accuracy even under non-constant working conditions, and can be implemented using readily available components.
Implementation Method 1
a signal coupled into the interior of the cylinder liner interacts with the cylinder piston
Implementation Method 2
The phase of the signal is determined in addition to the amplitude value in the vectorial measurement
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for the position determination of a cylinder piston located in a cylinder liner, said apparatus comprising: a port for coupling an electrical signal into or out of the interior of the cylinder liner, wherein a signal coupled into the interior of the cylinder liner interacts with the cylinder piston. The present disclosure is characterized by a unit for determining the position of the cylinder piston which is connected to the port and which is configured to determine the position of the cylinder piston in the cylinder liner with the aid of a vectorial measurement of a signal decoupled from the cylinder liner.