Inductive Position Measurement Using Passive Field Interaction Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inductive position measuring devices require separate power supplies and data connections for both the moving and stationary assemblies, leading to a complex design.

Innovation Solution

An inductive position measuring device with a first assembly containing field interaction elements that generate and receive electromagnetic fields, and a second assembly that interacts passively, eliminating the need for an active power supply and data connection in the second assembly, allowing for position determination in multiple degrees of freedom.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If both assemblies use electrical components with separate power supplies and data connections, then position determination in multiple degrees of freedom is enabled, but device complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition determination capabilityVSAvoidpower supply and data connection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the active electrical components (power supply and data connection) from the second assembly, leaving it with only passive field interaction elements. This separation eliminates the complexity of wiring both assemblies while maintaining the capability for six-degree-of-freedom position determination through electromagnetic interaction between the simplified components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The first assembly's field interaction elements generate electromagnetic fields that automatically interact with the second assembly's passive elements, enabling position measurement without requiring active components or external power connections in the second assembly. The system uses the electromagnetic field itself as the information carrier, eliminating the need for separate data connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If both assemblies use electrical components with separate power supplies, then electromagnetic interaction for position measurement is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interaction reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive active electrical components (power supplies, data connections) in the second assembly with simple passive field interaction elements that can be manufactured at minimal cost. These passive elements maintain reliable electromagnetic interaction while dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

By removing active components from the second assembly, the patent eliminates the need for expensive power supply systems and data communication infrastructure, while maintaining measurement reliability through pure electromagnetic field interaction between the simplified elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the second assembly has its own power supply and data connection, then active electronics can process position data, but the stationary assembly design becomes significantly more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition data processing capabilityVSAvoidstationary assembly design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts all active electronics, power supplies, and data connection requirements from the second assembly, leaving it as a simple passive structure with field interaction elements. Position data processing is performed by evaluating the electromagnetic field interactions in the first assembly, eliminating the need for complex stationary assembly design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses electromagnetic fields as an intermediary to transfer position information between the assemblies. The first assembly's field interaction elements generate fields that interact with the second assembly's passive elements, automatically encoding position data that can be processed without requiring active electronics in the stationary assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 a cost-effective and simplified design capable of determining the position and orientation of moving assemblies in six degrees of freedom without the complexity of separate power and data connections.

Implementation Method 1

The first field interaction means each comprise at least one generating means for generating an electromagnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one receiving means for receiving an electromagnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field reception: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4703673A1Inductive position measuring device and method for operating an inductive position measuring device
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 DR JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
  • EP4703673A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4703673A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4703673A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6b

AI summary

Inductive Position Measuring Device and Method for Operating an Inductive Position Measuring Device. The inductive position measuring device (1) comprises a first assembly (10) with a first interaction surface (11) and a second assembly (20) with a second interaction surface (21). The two assemblies (10, 20) are arranged opposite each other in a third measuring direction (z) and are movable relative to each other. The first assembly (10) comprises several first field interaction means (10.X1-10.X2", 10.Y1-10.Y2"), which are arranged parallel to the first interaction surface (11). The second assembly (20) comprises several second field interaction means (20.1 to 20.n), which are arranged distributed over the area of ​​the second interaction surface (21). The inductive position measuring device (1) is characterized in that at least one first field interaction means (10.X1-10.X2") is arranged along a first measurement direction (x) and at least one further first field interaction means (10.Y1-10.Y2") is arranged along a second measurement direction (y), and that the first field interaction means (10.X1-10.X2", 10.Y1-10.Y2") each comprise at least one excitation means (10.1, 10.2) and at least one receiving means (10.21, 10.22; 10.23-10.26).