Inductive Scale Element With Fastening Bores for Angular Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inductive position measuring devices face challenges in achieving a compact and cost-effective design while maintaining high accuracy, particularly in determining angular positions.
Innovation Solution
A scale element with a substrate featuring a graduation track of alternating conductive and non-conductive regions, incorporating bores for fastening and a layer of electrically conductive material, and using fastening elements like screws or rivets to secure the scale element to a machine part, ensuring a compact configuration without compromising measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the scale element is designed with a compact structure using a substrate with integrated bores for fastening, then the device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but the measurement precision may be affected by the presence of bores in the electromagnetic field path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from the graduation track regions by providing bores only in the non-conductive regions. This allows the scale element to be securely fastened to the machine part while ensuring that the conductive graduation regions remain uninterrupted and maintain their electromagnetic properties for accurate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different regions of the substrate: the conductive regions are designed with continuous conductive material for electromagnetic field interaction, while the non-conductive regions are designed with bores for mechanical fastening. This local differentiation allows each region to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
2Measurement precision
If the conductive material layer is made thicker to improve electrical conductivity and signal quality, then the measurement precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameter of the conductive material layer to achieve a balance between electrical conductivity and cost-effectiveness. By carefully selecting the thickness within a specific range, the design achieves sufficient signal quality for accurate angular position determination while avoiding excessive material usage and manufacturing costs.
3Measurement precision
If the graduation regions are made highly conductive to improve electromagnetic field interaction, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to more complex material deposition requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a uniform conductive material layer across all conductive graduation regions, deposited using standard PCB manufacturing techniques. This homogeneous approach ensures consistent electromagnetic properties throughout the scale element while maintaining ease of manufacture through conventional production methods rather than requiring complex or specialized deposition processes.
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 compact and cost-effective scale element that maintains high measurement accuracy by allowing for precise angular position determination without affecting the measurement results, utilizing a design that integrates fastening elements without interfering with the electromagnetic field.
Implementation Method 1
When a time-varying electrical excitation current is applied to the excitation tracks, signals dependent on the position are generated in the receiving tracks during the relative movement between the scale element and the sensing element
Data Source
AI summary
A scale element for an inductive position measuring device includes a substrate on which a graduation track is arranged. The graduation track is formed along a measuring direction from a periodic sequence of alternately arranged electrically conductive graduation regions and non-conductive graduation regions. The electrically conductive graduation regions are formed from a layer of electrically conductive material. At least one bore is arranged in the substrate for fastening the scale element to a machine part. The electrically conductive graduation regions have an opening, in which the electrically conductive material encloses the opening. In at least one of the electrically conductive graduation regions, the bore is arranged in the substrate through the opening.