Hall Sensor Goniometer for Articulated Robotic Tool
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulated robotic tools face challenges in robustness and reliability, particularly due to exposure of electronic components to dust and moisture, which can lead to corrupted sensing and reduced performance over time.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Hall sensor goniometer arrangement with fully enclosed electronics, utilizing a magnet attached to the first platform and a Hall sensor arrangement on the second platform, provides a robust sensing mechanism that is protected from environmental factors, allowing for reliable angular position sensing and improved durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional goniometer arrangements with exposed electronics (e.g., rheostats/potentiometers) are used, then the device structure is simpler, but the electronics are exposed to dust and moisture causing corrupted sensing and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sensing components (rheostats/potentiometers) with a magnetic field-based Hall sensor system. This substitution eliminates the need for exposed mechanical connectors and sliding contacts, thereby protecting the sensing mechanism from dust and moisture while maintaining angular position detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a Hall sensor arrangement that can be enclosed in a protective housing or platform structure. This enclosure acts as a flexible shell that protects the electronic sensing components from environmental factors like dust and moisture, while still allowing the magnetic field to reach the sensor through the non-magnetic enclosure material.
2Reliability
If Hall sensor arrangement is enclosed in the second platform, then the electronics are protected from environmental factors, but the sensor reading may be affected during roll conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the Hall sensor arrangement centrally on or near the roll axis of the second platform. This central positioning ensures that during roll conditions (when the platform tilts on uneven terrain), the sensor remains at a consistent distance and orientation relative to the magnet on the first platform, maintaining accurate angular position sensing despite platform orientation changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent considers the three-dimensional spatial relationship between the magnet and Hall sensor, positioning the sensor within 5mm from the roll axis in the vertical dimension. This precise positioning in the third dimension (height/depth) ensures that roll movements do not significantly alter the magnetic field interaction, maintaining measurement precision while keeping the sensor enclosed for protection.
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 enhances the robustness and reliability of articulated robotic tools by protecting electronic components from environmental degradation, ensuring consistent performance and extended operational lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a Hall sensor arrangement (31) attached to the second part along the turning axis
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an articulated,self-propelled robotic tool1, having a first platform 3 with a first wheel assembly 5 and a second platform 7 with a second wheel assembly 9. A link arrangement 15, 17, 19, 21 connects the first and second platforms at a turning axis 11. A goniometer arrangement senses the angle between the first and second platforms, and comprises a magnet 29 attached to a first part 17 connected to the first platform, and a Hall sensor arrangement 31 attached to the second platform 7.