Inductive Bearing Sensor Integration for Compact Speed Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bearing systems lack a compact design and efficient integration of sensors, leading to challenges in handling and manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an inductive sensor with a torque-proof stator connected to the inner ring and a torque-proof rotor connected to the outer ring, or vice versa, allows for a more compact and integral design, enabling high-resolution measurements of rotational speed and position without rotating the rings, and includes a spacer for maintaining distance and a seal for environmental protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a sensor is integrated into the bearing system, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational speed and position measurementVSAvoidbearing system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is integrated directly into the bearing structure, with the stator connected to the inner ring and the rotor connected to the outer ring. This merging of sensor and bearing functions achieves high-resolution rotational measurement while maintaining a compact overall structure, as the sensor components occupy space within the bearing assembly rather than adding external complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If the sensor components are torque-proof connected to the bearing rings, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor connection stabilityVSAvoidbearing assembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is divided into two separate torque-proof connected components: the stator connected to the inner ring and the rotor connected to the outer ring. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and then assembled with reliable torque-proof connections, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of moving object

If the stator and rotor are arranged radially perpendicular to the center axis, then volume is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor area spaceVSAvoidelectromagnetic coupling element alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic coupling elements of the stator and rotor are arranged substantially perpendicular to the center axis of the bearing, utilizing the radial dimension for sensor placement. This dimensional arrangement achieves compact integration within the bearing volume while the torque-proof connections to the respective rings provide stable positioning that accommodates manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 more compact and efficient bearing system with improved handling and manufacturing, enabling precise measurement of rotational speed and position, suitable for applications like autonomous driving.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor is built as an inductive sensor and the stator is torque-proof connected to the inner ring and the rotor is torque-proof connected to the outer ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11242894B2Bearing with inner and outer rings and system including such a bearing
Publication Date: 2022.02.08 HELLA GMBH & CO KGAA
  • US11242894B2 patent drawing
  • US11242894B2 patent drawing
  • US11242894B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bearing comprises: an inner ring; an outer ring rotatable relative to the inner ring; and an inductive sensor for detecting a measured variable corresponding to a rotation of the outer ring relative to the inner ring. The sensor comprises a stator torque-proof connected to one of the inner ring and the outer ring, and a rotor torque-proof connected to the other of the inner ring and the outer ring.