Inclination Sensor Using Ferrofluidic Float and Hall Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inclination sensors face challenges such as high support forces, friction, and limited precision due to mechanical support structures, and the need for precise pivot axes, which are not effectively addressed by traditional pendulum-based designs.
Innovation Solution
The design employs a float housed in a fluid chamber with a reduced contact surface and adjustable fluid level, using multi-Hall sensors to measure magnetic field gradients, allowing for precise detection of angular positions with lower static friction and reduced support forces, and optional ferrofluidic support for further damping and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a pendulum with central bearing axle is used, then the pivot axis can be held exact, but high support forces and friction occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical central bearing axle system with a magnetic field-based detection system. An indicator magnet is attached to the pendulum, and its position is detected contactlessly through a non-magnetizable divider wall using a magnetosensitive sensor. This eliminates the need for a physical bearing axle, thereby removing support forces and friction while maintaining pivot axis precision through magnetic field sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
A non-magnetizable divider wall is introduced as an intermediary between the pendulum chamber and sensor chamber. This wall allows contactless detection of the indicator magnet's position while separating the mechanical pendulum system from the sensing system, enabling frictionless operation without compromising measurement accuracy.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a pendulum with mechanical support is used, then structural stability is achieved, but friction increases and precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical contact-based position detection with a magnetic field-based detection system. The indicator magnet's position is sensed contactlessly through the divider wall using a magnetosensitive sensor, eliminating friction that would otherwise degrade measurement precision while the pendulum's structural stability is maintained through its gravitational alignment.
3Measurement precision
If Hall effect sensors are used to detect magnetic field intensity, then angular position can be measured, but the measurement is strongly dependent on distance from the magnet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the distance dependency from the measurement system by using a non-magnetizable divider wall with a precisely controlled geometry. The wall creates a defined magnetic field path and maintains a consistent effective detection distance, eliminating the need for complex distance control mechanisms while preserving measurement precision.
4Force
If the float chamber is completely filled with fluid, then friction at support surfaces is avoided, but fluid sloshing increases during angular changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing fluid support only in the lower portion of the float chamber where the pendulum body is located, while leaving the upper portion partially filled. This creates a localized fluid cushion that reduces friction at the critical support interface while minimizing the total fluid volume to reduce sloshing during angular changes.
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 provides a simple, cost-effective inclination sensor with improved precision and reduced friction, capable of detecting angular changes with minimal impact from fluid sloshing and maintaining accuracy across a wide range of inclinations.
Implementation Method 1
a float (5) housed in a float chamber (4) with a reduced contact surface to the fluid (7)
Implementation Method 2
using multi-Hall sensors to measure magnetic field gradients
Implementation Method 3
optional ferrofluidic support for further damping and stability
Data Source
AI summary
Inclination sensors with magnetic XMR- or Hall-sensor-principles were implemented in the past by the pivotably supported indicator magnet being supported on the front face of the axle of a pendulum, with the consequence that the static friction of the support had to be overcome first, before the inclination sensor would react. Thereby very small and very slow inclinations often could not be detected. These designs always have a large amount of hysteresis. According to the invention this problem is being solved by the indicator magnet being mounted either on a float, or on a pendulum that is being supported ferrofluidic, whereby the static friction is much smaller or eliminated entirely.