Inductive Angular Position Sensor for Bearing Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position sensors, particularly magnetic and hall effect sensors, face issues such as magnetic drag and the need for external power sources to maintain angular position information in bearing components, and are often not suitable for easy installation with bearing assemblies due to large coil requirements and the need for transmitters and antennae coils.
Innovation Solution
A position sensor assembly featuring a ferromagnetic component with a non-uniform circumferential profile and an inductor assembly with circumferentially spaced inductors, which overlap axially, allowing for reliable detection of bearing component positions without external power, using a ferromagnetic component and inductor assembly that can be securely attached to bearing rings, enabling rotational measurements without external power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic sensors are used for position detection, then angular position information can be obtained, but magnetic drag is generated which is undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic field-based sensing with an inductive sensing system that uses electromagnetic induction between inductors and a ferromagnetic target. This substitution eliminates magnetic drag forces while maintaining the ability to detect angular position through changes in inductance values based on the relative position of the ferromagnetic component.
2Measurement precision
If known position sensor arrangements are used, then position information can be obtained, but relatively large coil assemblies are required which are not suitable for easy installation with bearing assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing system into separate components: inductor assemblies mounted on one bearing ring and a ferromagnetic target on the other bearing ring. This segmentation allows each component to be compact and enables flexible installation configurations within bearing assemblies, eliminating the need for large integrated coil assemblies.
3Measurement precision
If known position sensor arrangements are used, then position information can be obtained, but a transmitter and antennae coil are required which increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the transmitter and antennae components from the sensing system. Instead, it uses passive inductors that detect position through electromagnetic induction from the rotating ferromagnetic target, significantly simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining detection capability.
4Reliability
If external power source is used to maintain position information, then position data can be continuously updated, but the system requires external power which reduces reliability during power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive sensing system operates passively by detecting electromagnetic induction signals from the rotating ferromagnetic target without requiring external power for the sensing function. This self-powered operation maintains reliability during power loss conditions while still providing continuous position information through the physical induction 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
The solution provides reliable and power-independent angular position detection, suitable for various bearing assemblies, maintaining accurate position measurements even if power is lost, by varying inductance based on the relative position of the ferromagnetic component and inductor assembly, allowing for precise rotational measurements.
Implementation Method 1
An inductor assembly is arranged on the second bearing ring, and the inductor assembly includes at least two inductors that are circumferentially spaced from each other by at least 90 degrees
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a position sensor assembly is disclosed. The position sensor assembly includes a first bearing ring defining a first bearing raceway, and a second bearing ring defining a second bearing raceway. A ferromagnetic component is arranged on the first bearing ring. The ferromagnetic component defines a surface that has a non-uniform circumferential profile that varies for at least 90 degrees in a circumferential direction. An inductor assembly is arranged on the second bearing ring, and the inductor assembly includes at least two inductors that are circumferentially spaced from each other by at least 90 degrees.