Hall Effect Sensor Mount with Indexing Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hall effect sensor systems require fasteners and holes for orientation, which can be undesirable and increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A sensing system that includes a hall effect sensor, a sensor mount, and an orientation selection mechanism, where the sensor is attached without a fastener, using a wave spring and indexing ring to select discrete orientations relative to sensing targets, allowing for rotation and adjustment without a hole in the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fastener and hole are used to orient the hall effect sensor relative to the target, then the sensor can be securely attached and oriented, but the complexity and cost of the sensing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fastener and hole from the sensor design. Instead of using a separate fastening mechanism, the sensor mount itself is designed with an indexing ring that directly engages with the sensor body, eliminating the need for additional fasteners and holes in the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the mounting function and orientation selection function into a single integrated sensor mount structure. The indexing ring on the mount serves both to secure the sensor and to provide discrete orientation selections, merging what would traditionally be separate functions.
2Reliability
If a fastener and hole are used to orient the hall effect sensor relative to the target, then the sensor can be securely attached and oriented, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fastener and hole from the sensor design. Instead of using a separate fastening mechanism, the sensor mount itself is designed with an indexing ring that directly engages with the sensor body, eliminating the need for additional fasteners and holes in the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple indexing ring structure made from the same material as the sensor mount, eliminating the need for expensive specialized fasteners. The indexing features are formed directly into the components during molding, reducing assembly steps and labor costs.
3Device complexity
If the sensor is formed without a hole to receive a fastener, then the complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to securely attach and orient the sensor is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric indexing features - a specific number of indexed positions (e.g., 5, 6, or 8 discrete orientations) arranged in a non-uniform pattern around the sensor body. This asymmetric arrangement provides secure attachment at specific discrete orientations while maintaining the simplified no-hole design.
Solution Approach 2:
The indexing ring acts as an intermediary mechanism between the sensor body and the sensor mount. It provides the engagement features needed for secure attachment and orientation selection without requiring holes or fasteners in the sensor itself, mediating the connection through a separate element.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an orientation selection mechanism is added to permit selection of sensor orientation, then the adaptability of the sensing system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides secure mechanical retention of the sensor, enables discrete orientation selection, and defines the angular positions for accurate sensing. This multi-functionality adds adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the continuous rotational space into discrete indexed positions around the sensor body. This segmentation allows for selective orientation at specific angles while maintaining a simple ring structure, breaking down the complexity of continuous adjustment into manageable discrete steps.
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 configuration reduces complexity and cost by eliminating the need for fasteners and holes, while enabling precise orientation selection and retention of the sensor, enhancing operational efficiency and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
The wave spring may be configured to bias the shoulder toward the neck when the sensor is received by the sensor mount
Implementation Method 2
The sensor may be a hall effect sensor that includes a sensor body and a shoulder extending outwardly from the sensor body
Data Source
AI summary
Sensing systems and methods of adjusting sensing systems are disclosed herein. A sensing system includes a sensor, an sensor mount, a retainer, and an orientation selection mechanism. The sensor is configured to provide a signal indicative of an operational characteristic of a sensed component. The sensor mount is sized to receive the sensor and configured for attachment to the sensed component to couple the sensor thereto. The retainer is sized for receipt by the sensor mount and configured to retain the sensor when the sensor is received by the sensor mount. The orientation selection mechanism is configured to permit selection of an orientation of the sensor relative to one or more sensing targets when the sensor is received by the sensor mount.