Excavator Rotation Sensor Mounting for Easy Magnetic Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotation sensor assemblies for excavators are challenging to calibrate and adjust, making it difficult to accurately detect the relative rotational motion and angle between the boom and the cab.
Innovation Solution
A rotation sensor assembly with a first portion and fixation member, featuring an angle bracket and magnetic sensor base, allowing for easy alignment and attachment to the excavator's cab and boom, ensuring accurate detection of angular positions and motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wire sensor or link mechanism is used to detect rotation, then the sensor can detect angular position, but the calibration becomes challenging and adjustment is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sensing mechanisms (wire sensors, link mechanisms) with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnetic sensor detects the position of a magnet attached to the rotating component, eliminating the need for complex mechanical calibration while maintaining accurate angular position detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from mechanical displacement (wire extension, link position) to magnetic field characteristics (magnet position relative to sensor). This parameter change simplifies the system because magnetic field detection requires no mechanical calibration - the sensor naturally detects the magnet's angular position through field strength variations.
2Ease of operation
If a magnetic sensor system is used, then the sensor can be easily adjusted and aligned, but the magnetic field amplitude may be insufficient if components are not sufficiently close
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an adjustable mounting system with slots and holes that allow dynamic repositioning of the magnetic sensor and magnet components. This enables users to adjust the distance and alignment between sensor and magnet during installation, ensuring the magnetic field amplitude is sufficient for reliable detection while maintaining ease of adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a bracket assembly as an intermediary structure between the sensor mounting and the rotating component. This bracket provides a stable reference frame that facilitates precise alignment while allowing adjustable positioning, thereby ensuring both reliability of detection and ease of adjustment.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor components are mounted close to each other, then the magnetic field amplitude is sufficient for accurate detection, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple mounting functions into a single integrated bracket assembly. The bracket simultaneously provides structural support, alignment references (slots and holes), and positioning adjustments, thereby reducing overall mounting structure complexity while enabling close proximity mounting of sensor components for accurate detection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If slots and holes are provided in mounting brackets, then the assembly becomes flexible and easy to adjust, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mounting system into segmented components (brackets with slots, separate mounting holes, adjustable fasteners) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows flexibility in assembly while reducing the need for high precision in each individual feature, as adjustments can compensate for manufacturing tolerances.
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 flexible and easy adjustment of the sensor assembly, ensuring precise detection of the relative rotational motion and angle between the boom and cab without complex calibration, enhancing operational accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic sensor portion is attached to the fixation member... the rotation sensor assembly is arranged and configured to detect the angular position and/or angular motion of the sensor portion relative to the sensor base
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A rotation sensor assembly (2) comprising a first portion (4) and a protection member (6) is disclosed. The first portion (4) is configured to be attached to a cap (62) of an excavator (60) wherein the protection member (6) is configured to be attached to a boom (64) of the excavator (60). The first portion (4) comprises an L-shaped angle bracket (18) attached to a base bracket (10) having a foot portion (8), wherein a plurality of slots (12) is provided in an upper portion of the base bracket (10) wherein each slot (12) being configured to receive a portion of a bolt (16) extending through the slot (12) for detachably attaching the base bracket (10) to a first part of the angle bracket (18). The angle bracket (18) comprises a plurality of slots (12') each configured to receive a bolt (16) extending through a slot (12) of the base bracket (10) and the slot (12') of the angle bracket (18). The first portion (4) comprises a magnetic sensor portion (24) and the protection member (6) comprises a magnetic sensor mounting member (26). The rotation sensor assembly (2) is arranged and configured to detect the angular position and/or angular motion of the sensor portion (24) relative to the sensor mounting member (26). The protection member (6) comprises a protection top member (40) and a protection bottom member (30) that is detachably attached to the protection top member (40).