Nonmetallic Follower Pinion Sensing for Precise House Rotation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the rotation of components in construction equipment, such as excavators, are imprecise and require costly replacements, while sensor variations due to vibrations and power fluctuations lead to inaccurate position sensing.
Innovation Solution
A nonmetallic follower pinion apparatus is introduced, comprising a swing gear system with a follower pinion that meshes with the swing gear and is monitored by a sensor to accurately determine rotation, independent of the swing gear's tooth count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is used to monitor the actual position of the house, then position sensing capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to vibrations, temperature variations, and power fluctuations causing signal variations
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic intermediary (magnetic disc or magnetic ring) is introduced between the swing gear and the sensor. The magnetic intermediary carries magnetic markers that rotate with the swing gear, allowing the sensor to detect position through magnetic field changes rather than direct mechanical contact. This intermediary transfers rotational position information while isolating the sensor from harmful vibrations and mechanical variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact-based position sensing with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Instead of using sensors that directly contact or closely follow mechanical components subject to vibration, the system uses magnetic fields to transmit rotational position information, substituting mechanical coupling with magnetic coupling to eliminate vibration-induced signal variations.
2Measurement precision
If a robust position-sensing system is implemented to overcome sensor variations, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic intermediary serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural component of the swing mechanism, a carrier for magnetic position markers, and a means of transmitting rotational information to the sensor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensing components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses changes in magnetic field parameters (strength, direction, or presence) as the magnetic intermediary rotates, to encode rotational position information. By detecting these magnetic parameter changes rather than mechanical position changes, the system achieves high precision with a simple sensor configuration, avoiding complex mechanical sensing mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If an accurate rotation measurement system is designed for new machines, then measurement precision improves, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to inability to retrofit existing machines
Solution Approach 1:
The position sensing system is divided into independent modular components: the magnetic intermediary that attaches to the swing gear, and the sensor assembly that mounts separately. This segmentation allows the system to be installed in stages on existing machines, with each component being independently manufactured and installed, greatly improving retrofit capability while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic intermediary serves as an adaptable interface between existing swing gear mechanisms and modern precision sensors. Because it can be attached to various gear configurations and the sensor can be positioned at different locations, this intermediary enables precise rotation measurement on diverse existing machine designs without requiring complete system redesign, facilitating easy retrofitting.
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 system provides continuous and precise measurement of rotation, reducing errors and allowing retrofitting to existing machines without reliance on costly components, enhancing accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a nonmetallic follower pinion positioned to mesh with the swing gear
Implementation Method 2
a sensor configured to sense a position of the follower pinion
Data Source
AI summary
A follower pinion apparatus can include a swing gear system comprised of a swing gear and a swing motor pinion. The follower pinion apparatus can also include a nonmetallic follower pinion positioned to mesh with the swing gear and a sensor configured to sense a position of the follower pinion.