Eccentric Angular Position Sensor with Dynamic Weighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing angular position measurement devices for rotatable structures face challenges in providing accurate, continuous measurements without discontinuities or glitches, especially when used with gimbals and electro optical/infrared sensors that require precise orientation.
Innovation Solution
An angular position measurement device featuring an annular ring with eccentric rotation and two sensors positioned at a predetermined distance, using a sensor transducing circuit to combine output levels with a weighting factor that adjusts based on the angular position, ensuring continuous and accurate measurements by minimizing peak weighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional single sensor is used for angular position measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and continuity deteriorate due to discontinuities and glitches in output signal
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple sensors (first sensor and second sensor) positioned at different angular locations around the annular ring. Each sensor independently measures angular position, and their combined output through the transducing circuit provides continuous, glitch-free measurements by compensating for the limitations of individual sensors at specific angular positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducing circuit merges the output signals from multiple sensors into a single combined output signal. By proportionally combining the output levels of the first and second sensors with appropriate weighting factors, the system achieves continuous and accurate angular position measurement without the discontinuities present in single-sensor systems.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned to maximize measurement accuracy at specific angular positions, then measurement precision improves at those positions, but discontinuities and glitches occur in the output signal during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the weighting factors of different sensors based on their angular positions and the current rotation state. The transducing circuit proportionally combines sensor outputs with weighting factors that change as the annular ring rotates, ensuring smooth transitions and eliminating discontinuities while maintaining high measurement precision throughout the full rotational range.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducing circuit uses feedback information about the angular position and sensor outputs to dynamically adjust the weighting factors in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures that the combined output signal remains continuous and free of glitches by compensating for the limitations of individual sensors at specific angular positions.
3Device complexity
If a single sensor is used, then device complexity is minimized, but the output signal contains discontinuous spikes and glitches during shaft rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple sensors (first sensor and second sensor) positioned at different angular locations around the annular ring. Each sensor independently measures angular position, and their combined output through the transducing circuit provides continuous, glitch-free measurements by compensating for the limitations of individual sensors at specific angular positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducing circuit merges the output signals from multiple sensors into a single combined output signal. By proportionally combining the output levels of the first and second sensors with appropriate weighting factors, the system achieves continuous and accurate angular position measurement without the discontinuities present in single-sensor systems.
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 provides accurate, continuous angular position measurements over a full rotational range without discontinuities, maintaining a smooth output signal and enhanced accuracy by dynamically adjusting sensor weighting as the annular ring rotates.
Implementation Method 1
an annular ring that is eccentrically rotatable about an axis
Implementation Method 2
The first and second sensors are rotatable relative to the annular ring and disposed a predetermined distance from the axis such that the first and second sensors have a first and second output level respectively that is proportional to the angular position of the annular ring
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a sensor assembly for measuring an angular position of a rotatable structure includes an annular ring that is eccentrically rotatable about an axis, a first and second sensors, and an sensor transducing circuit for combining the respective output levels from the two sensors. The first and second sensors are rotatable relative to the annular ring and disposed a predetermined distance from the axis such that the first and second sensors have a first and second output level respectively that is proportional to the angular position of the annular ring. The sensor transducing circuit is operable to proportionally combine the first and second output levels into an output signal based upon a weighting factor, the weighting factor being proportional to angular position of at least one of the first and second sensors.