Flux Guide Assembly for Torque Sensors Under Magnetic Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque sensor devices for detecting torque on a shaft, particularly in motor vehicle steering systems, are susceptible to interference from external magnetic fields, leading to erroneous torque readings due to crosstalk from nearby magnetic sources.
Innovation Solution
A torque sensor device with a magnetic arrangement, stator arrangement, and a flux guide arrangement that includes two flux guides with collection and transmission surfaces, designed to concentrate and conduct magnetic flux while canceling out interference flux components generated by external magnetic fields, thereby reducing or eliminating the influence of external interference on torque measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional magnetic elements or sensors are added to mitigate magnetic interference, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the 'Blessing in disguise' principle by utilizing the magnetic interference field itself to generate a compensating flux. The flux guide arrangement channels the interfering magnetic flux through a specific path that creates a counteracting effect, converting the harmful interference into a beneficial compensation mechanism that improves measurement accuracy without adding complex sensor systems
Solution Approach 2:
The flux guide arrangement serves as an intermediary element between the magnetic interference source and the sensor. It mediates the interaction by guiding the magnetic flux through a controlled path, allowing the interference to be harnessed constructively rather than directly affecting the measurement, thus improving accuracy without requiring additional active compensation components
2Measurement precision
If flux guide arrangement is added to reduce magnetic interference, then measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex active magnetic compensation systems with a passive flux guide arrangement made from magnetically conductive material. This substitution eliminates the need for additional sensors, magnets, or active control mechanisms, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while achieving the same goal of interference mitigation through clever use of magnetic flux guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The flux guide arrangement changes the magnetic flux distribution parameters by providing a preferred conduction path. By altering the magnetic circuit geometry and material properties in the interference region, the system redirects the magnetic flux to create a compensating effect, achieving accuracy improvement through parameter optimization rather than additional components
3Device complexity
If conventional stator arrangement is used without flux guide, then device simplicity is maintained, but susceptibility to magnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to shield or block the magnetic interference, the flux guide arrangement converts the harmful interference flux into a beneficial compensating signal. The guide channels the interference through a path that creates a counteracting magnetic effect, transforming the problem into a solution while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The flux guide arrangement introduces a new spatial dimension for flux management by creating a dedicated conduction path in the magnetic circuit. This additional flux pathway operates in parallel with the measurement path, allowing interference to be managed through a separate magnetic dimension without complicating the primary sensing mechanism
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 device provides a robust and cost-effective solution to mitigate the impact of external magnetic interference, ensuring accurate torque detection by effectively canceling out interference flux components, thus maintaining reliable torque measurement.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic flux of a magnetic field generated by means of the magnetic arrangement can be conducted via the stator arrangement... to a magnetic sensor arrangement
Implementation Method 2
Superimposition of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic arrangement of the torque sensor device with a further magnetic field, which for the magnetic field of the sensor device constitutes a magnetic interference field
Data Source
AI summary
A torque sensor device for detecting a torque applied to a shaft is disclosed. The torque sensor device has a magnetic arrangement, a stator arrangement and a flux guide arrangement, wherein the flux guide arrangement has a first flux guide and a second flux guide, and the first flux guide and the second flux guide each have a first collection surface and each have at least one transmission surface. The second flux guide has a second collection surface which is magnetically conductively coupled to the at least one transmission surface of the second flux guide. The first flux guide and the second flux guide are arranged relative to one another such that, if the torque sensor device is surrounded by a magnetic interference field, a first interference flux component a second interference flux component at least partially cancel one another out.