Inductive Angular Position Sensing With Single-Target Multi-Range Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inductive angular-position sensors lack the capability to provide high-resolution measurements across multiple ranges, which is essential for applications in industries requiring precise positioning and control, such as robotics, manufacturing, medical equipment, aerospace, and automotive systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of a dual-sensor system with one sensor providing coarse resolution and another providing fine resolution, utilizing a combined M and N pole pair pattern target, allows for high-resolution angular-position sensing by integrating multiple inductive angular-position sensors on a single substrate, such as a PCB, to measure angular-position with both coarse and fine precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate sensors are used to achieve high-resolution angular-position sensing across multiple ranges, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inductive angular-position sensors into a single integrated sensor unit that can simultaneously provide coarse and fine resolution measurements. This merging approach maintains high measurement precision across multiple ranges while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate sensor components and their associated mounting and wiring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - providing both coarse and fine angular-position measurements within a single device. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high-resolution sensing across multiple ranges without requiring separate specialized sensors for each measurement range, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate sensors are integrated on separate substrates, then measurement precision is improved, but substrate area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor functions into a single integrated sensor unit mounted on a single substrate. This consolidation dramatically reduces the total substrate area required compared to mounting multiple separate sensors on separate substrates, while maintaining the capability to provide high-resolution measurements across multiple angular-position ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor employs a nested structure where fine-resolution sensing elements are positioned within or alongside coarse-resolution sensing elements. This nesting arrangement allows multiple measurement functions to be accommodated within a compact footprint on the substrate, minimizing the overall area required while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate sensors are used, then measurement precision is improved, but mechanical assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into a single pre-assembled integrated sensor unit. This merging eliminates the need for complex mechanical assembly of multiple separate sensors, reducing manufacturing complexity and assembly time while maintaining high measurement precision. The single unit requires only one mounting location and connection set, significantly simplifying the mechanical assembly process.
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 approach enables high-resolution angular-position sensing with reduced substrate size and simplified mechanical assembly, providing accurate and precise positioning in various industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
If a coil of wire is placed in a changing magnetic field, a voltage will be induced at ends of coil of wire
Implementation Method 2
It is possible to disturb a predictably changing magnetic field and measure a resulting change in the voltage induced in the coil of wire
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a support structure, a first set of coils, a second set of coils, and a target. The first and the second set of coils are on, or in, the support structure and arranged within an annulus centered about an axis. The first set of coils include first and second sense coils, where respective ones of the first and the second sense coils have one or more M pole pairs. The second set of coils include third and fourth sense coils, where respective ones of the third and the fourth sense coils have N pole pairs. The target is to rotate about the axis. The target includes a target body comprising an annular ring and one or more fin regions. Respective fin regions of the one or more fin regions include a number of fins radially extending outwardly from the annular ring.