Electromagnetic Induction Encoder Asymmetry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic induction type encoders require multiple scale coils, leading to lengthy wiring and reduced signal intensity due to impedance, making it difficult to achieve strong signal intensity with offset reduction, especially in the yaw direction.

Innovation Solution

The encoder features two sets of transmitting, receiving, and scale coils disposed symmetrically around the center of the scale, with one set of scale coils shifted by 1/2 phase, allowing for reduced wiring and eliminating the need for additional receiving coils between transmitting coils, thereby enhancing signal intensity and durability against yaw fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple scale coils are disposed to reduce offset, then offset reduction is achieved, but wiring length increases and signal intensity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoffset reductionVSAvoidsignal intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by shifting scale coils of one set by 1/2 phase of scale pitch relative to the other set, creating an asymmetric configuration that reduces offset while maintaining short wiring length and strong signal intensity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of multiple receiving coils into a single receiving coil that detects combined magnetic flux changes, reducing the number of scale coils needed and thereby reducing wiring length while maintaining offset reduction capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If three rows of scale coils are disposed, then offset is reduced, but wiring length increases and impedance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoffset reductionVSAvoidwiring length
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple receiving coils into a single receiving coil that detects combined magnetic flux changes, reducing the number of scale coils needed and thereby reducing wiring length and impedance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single receiving coil performs multiple functions by detecting magnetic flux changes from multiple transmitting coils simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate receiving coils and reducing overall wiring complexity

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

3Measurement precision

If receiving coils are disposed between transmitting coils, then offset is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoffset reductionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple receiving coils into a single receiving coil that detects combined magnetic flux changes, reducing the number of components needed and thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining offset reduction capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single receiving coil performs multiple functions by detecting magnetic flux changes from multiple transmitting coils simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate receiving coils and reducing overall manufacturing complexity

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

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 results in a highly accurate, compact, and cost-effective encoder with reduced positional errors and improved durability against environmental factors, using fewer grid layers and eliminating the need for connection wiring, while maintaining strong signal intensity.

Implementation Method 1

electromagnetic induction type encoder includes a number of scale coils 14,16 arrayed on a scale 10 along the measurement direction, and transmitting coils 24,26 and receiving coils 20, 22 disposed on a grid (may be referred to as a slider, too) 12 relatively movable in the measurement direction with respect to the scale 10, and is capable of detecting a relative movement amount of the scale 10 and the grid 12 from changes in magnetic fluxes detected by the receiving coils via the scale coils when the transmitting coils are magnetized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2085751B1Electromagnetic Induction Type Encoder
Publication Date: 2015.09.16 MITUTOYO CORP
  • EP2085751B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2085751B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2085751B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention provides a highly accurate and inexpensive electromagnetic induction type encoder capable of acquiring strong signal intensity with the offset reduced by a short scale coil, and is durable against fluctuations in the yaw direction, which includes a number of scale coils 14 arrayed on a scale 10 along the measurement direction, and transmitting coils 24 and receiving coils 20 that are disposed on a grid 12 relatively movably in the measurement direction with respect to the scale, and which detects a relative movement amount of the scale and the grid from changes in magnetic fluxes detected by the receiving coils via the scale coil when the transmitting coils are magnetized, wherein a plurality of sets of the transmitting coils (24A, 24B), the receiving coils (20A, 20B) and the scale coils (14A, 14B) are disposed symmetrically with respect to the center of the scale, and scale coils of one set located at a symmetrical position around the center of the scale is disposed with 1/2 phase of the scale pitch shifted with respect to scale coils of the other set.