Hall Sensor Gearbox Lever Position Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle gearbox control lever position detection systems require multiple sensors, leading to assembly and wiring complexities and reliability issues.

Innovation Solution

A single Hall effect sensor is used in conjunction with a magnet mounted on a ball joint, allowing detection of lever movements and positions along three axes, simplifying assembly and wiring by providing precise information on positions and directions of movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple contactless sensors are used to detect lever position and movement directions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and wiring difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelever position detection precisionVSAvoidsensor assembly and wiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple sensors into a single Hall effect sensor that can detect magnetic field variations in three-dimensional space. By positioning a magnet on the lever and using a single triaxial Hall sensor, the system achieves the capability to detect lever position and movement directions that previously required multiple separate sensors, thereby reducing device complexity and wiring requirements while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The Hall effect sensor is designed to perform multiple detection functions simultaneously - it can detect the lever's angular position, linear position, and movement directions along different axes. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors, simplifying the overall detection system while preserving comprehensive measurement capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If multiple sensors are installed on the lever assembly, then lever position information is obtained, but assembly difficulty and wiring risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelever position information completenessVSAvoidassembly and wiring ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single Hall effect sensor unit that can capture complete lever position information through its ability to detect magnetic field components along three axes. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate sensors and their associated wiring harnesses, significantly simplifying the assembly process and reducing manufacturing complexity while ensuring complete position information is captured

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single Hall effect sensor is used with a magnet on the lever, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect three-axis movements must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor system complexityVSAvoidthree-axis position detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the Hall effect sensor's capability to measure magnetic field parameters (Hx, Hy, Hz components) in three-dimensional space. By detecting changes in magnetic field strength and direction along three orthogonal axes, the system achieves comprehensive three-axis position detection with a single sensor, maintaining measurement precision while reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The magnet mounted on the lever serves as an intermediary that converts the lever's mechanical movements into magnetic field variations. This magnetic field mediator allows the single Hall effect sensor to indirectly detect three-axis movements by measuring changes in magnetic field intensity and direction, thereby maintaining measurement precision without requiring multiple direct contact sensors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution reduces the complexity of assembly and wiring while providing accurate position and movement data, enabling reliable gear control and engine speed adaptation with reduced components, enhancing operational reliability and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

the means consist of a single Hall effect sensor (4) mounted facing a magnet and capable of indicating the various movements and positions of the lever along the three axes X - Y - Z

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2112406B2Device for detecting the position of an automobile gearbox control stick
Publication Date: 2016.03.16 DURA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS SAS
  • EP2112406B2 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The device has a Hall effect sensor (4) arranged next to a permanent magnet (5) to indicate different movements and positions of a control lever (1) along three different axes. The sensor is mounted on a fixed part of a support case (2) while the magnet is mounted on a portion of the lever. The sensor measures parameters of magnetic field in the axes by deducing a position of the magnet. The lever with angular displacement capacity is mounted in the support case.