Inductive Height Sensor for Noisy Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height measurement technologies, such as those used in automotive applications, face challenges in noisy, dirty, and vibrating environments, where ultrasonic sensors are sensitive to acoustic noise and vibrations, making them unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device utilizing a transceiving coil arrangement with a transmitting drive unit, receiver unit, and reference coil arrangement, which generates a magnetic field to determine distance based on the varying strength of the field, allowing for inductive and contactless height measurement without the need for additional devices or external power supplies, and can be configured with multiple coils for triangulation and increased sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic sensors are used for height measurement, then distance measurement can be achieved, but the measurement becomes sensitive to acoustic noise and vibrations in noisy and vibrating environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ultrasonic (acoustic) measurement with inductive coupling between a transceiving coil and reference coil. The measuring device uses electromagnetic induction to generate a magnetic field that induces current in the reference coil, eliminating sensitivity to acoustic noise and vibrations while maintaining distance measurement capability through the distance-dependent magnetic field strength.
2Ease of operation
If contactless distance measurement is implemented, then no physical contact is needed, but additional devices or external power supplies may be required
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiving coil arrangement serves multiple functions: it generates the magnetic field for inductive coupling, receives the reference signal from the reference coil, and provides power to the measuring device through the same inductive coupling mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate power supplies or additional devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining contactless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device obtains its operating power through the same inductive coupling used for signal transmission. The reference coil arrangement transmits both measurement signals and power to the measuring device without requiring external power connections, enabling the device to be self-sufficient and eliminating additional power supply components.
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 height measurement in noisy and vibrating environments by using the magnetic field's strength to determine distance, eliminating the need for external power and reducing sensitivity to environmental noise, while allowing for both vertical and horizontal position determination.
Implementation Method 1
the drive unit is adapted to drive the transceiving coil arrangement with an AC power signal of a predetermined duration for generating a magnetic field
Data Source
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AI summary
Sensor device for height measurement, air spring comprising a sensor device for height measuring and a corresponding method allowing to determine the height also under rough conditions like noisy, dusty or vibrating environments.