Inductance Encoder for Two-Dimensional Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driving mechanisms with inductance-type sensors can only provide controlled rotary motion and lack the capability to detect both linear and rotary displacements, making them unsuitable for applications requiring two-dimensional positioning, whereas optical encoders are bulky and expensive, limiting their use in compact setups.
Innovation Solution
A driving mechanism incorporating a slotted inductance-type encoder with resolver coils and a laminated core that determines both linear and rotary displacements using Sine and Cosine signals, enabling closed-loop control in two dimensions through a combination of linear and rotary movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an optical encoder is used to detect position in two dimensions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical encoder system with an inductance-type sensor system that uses electromagnetic induction instead of optical fields. This substitution eliminates the need for optical components such as lenses, light sources, and optical scales, thereby reducing device complexity and size while maintaining position detection capability in two dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection principle from optical parameter detection to electrical parameter detection. By using inductance-type sensors that detect changes in electrical inductance caused by magnetic field variations, the system achieves position detection without the bulky optical components, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
2Device complexity
If an inductance-type sensor is used to detect position, then device size is reduced, but measurement capability is limited to one dimension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the inductance-type sensor system multi-functional by configuring it to detect both linear displacement and angular displacement simultaneously. The sensor system serves multiple detection purposes using the same basic inductance sensing mechanism, thereby achieving two-dimensional position detection without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the detection capability from one dimension to two dimensions by adding angular displacement detection capability to the inductance-type sensor system. This is achieved by configuring the sensor to detect both the position of the movable housing along the optical axis (linear dimension) and the rotation angle of the lens barrel (angular dimension), enabling comprehensive two-dimensional position control
3Measurement precision
If an optical encoder is installed for two-dimensional positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the space-consuming optical encoder with a compact inductance-type sensor system. This replacement eliminates the need for optical paths, lenses, and light sources that require significant installation space, while maintaining the capability to detect position in two dimensions with high accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes from optical field-based detection to electromagnetic field-based detection, which allows for a much more compact sensor design. The inductance-type sensors can be installed in limited spaces where optical encoders would not fit, thereby reducing installation space requirements while preserving positioning accuracy
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
Enables precise two-dimensional positioning of objects, overcoming the limitations of inductance-type sensors by providing controlled linear and rotary movements, and offering a more compact solution compared to optical encoders.
Implementation Method 1
an inductance-type encoder operative to determine both linear and rotary displacement of the movable housing relative to the fixed housing
Data Source
AI summary
A driving mechanism comprises a fixed housing, a movable housing on which an object to be driven is mounted and a driving motor which is operative to drive the movable housing to move linearly as well as to rotate relative to the fixed housing. An inductance-type encoder determines both linear and rotary displacement of the movable housing relative to the fixed housing, whereby to provide closed-loop control of the position of the object in both linear and rotary directions.