Inductive 360-Degree Angle Sensor Radially-Separated Dual Target
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor technologies face challenges in accurately detecting the angular position of targets within a full mechanical revolution, particularly in inductive sensing applications where precise positioning is critical for safety-critical applications.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a target with a base having a through-hole and two sets of conductive features - one set extending outwardly and the other inwardly - where the count of conductive features in each set differs. This target is used in conjunction with a system comprising receiving coils and processing circuitry to detect the angular position based on electrical angles associated with the conductive features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single set of conductive features is used in the target, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of angular position over full 0-360 degrees cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The target is segmented into two distinct sets of conductive features: an outer set coupled to the outer side of the base and an inner set coupled to the inner side of the base. Each set is associated with a different electrical angle measurement, allowing the system to differentiate between multiple revolutions and achieve precise angular position detection over the full 0-360 degree range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a radial dimension by placing conductive features at different radii (inner and outer sets). The inner set is coupled to the inner side of the base while the outer set is coupled to the outer side, creating a radial separation that enables multi-revolution angular position detection through differential electrical angle measurements.
2Measurement precision
If the count of conductive features in both sets is the same, then the manufacturing precision is simplified, but the ability to detect angular position over full mechanical revolution is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately creates asymmetry by configuring the inner and outer sets of conductive features with different counts. This asymmetric configuration is essential for generating distinguishable electrical angle patterns that enable the system to detect and differentiate between multiple full mechanical revolutions, providing unique positional signatures for each revolution cycle.
3Reliability
If only one electrical angle measurement is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of angular position detection over full revolution is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from two independent electrical angle measurements (inner and outer sets) to reliably determine angular position. By comparing and processing signals from both sets, the system can accurately track angular position through multiple revolutions, with the differential measurements providing redundant information that enhances detection reliability and enables correction of potential measurement errors.
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 accurate detection of the angular position of the target over a full mechanical revolution (0-360 degrees), enhancing the precision and reliability of inductive sensing applications, particularly in safety-critical systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first receiving coil configured to generate a first signal in response to a first reflected magnetic field that is produced by the first set of conductive features
Data Source
AI summary
A method, comprising: providing a target including: (i) a base having a through-hole formed therein that defines an inner perimeter of the base, the base having an outer side running around an outer perimeter of the base, and the base having an inner side running around the inner perimeter of the base, (ii) a first set of first conductive features that are coupled to the outer side of the base, each of the first conductive features extending outwardly, (iii) and a second set of second conductive features that are coupled to the inner side of the base, each of the second conductive features extending inwardly; and detecting an angular position of the target based on a first electrical angle that is associated with the first set of first conductive features and a second electrical angle that is associated with the second set of second conductive features.