Inductive Position Sensor Scanning Element With Segmented Receiver Traces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inductive position measuring devices face challenges in achieving precise and compact configurations for determining angular positions of rotatable machine parts, particularly in drives of robots, where existing designs often result in undesired short circuits and limited precision due to the arrangement of receiver conductor traces on multi-layer circuit boards.
Innovation Solution
A scanning element with a circuit board featuring receiver conductor traces arranged circumferentially, including periodic courses with gaps, and electronic components connected through micro vias to prevent short circuits, allowing for precise angle measurements across a smaller angular range while maintaining a compact configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If receiver conductor traces are arranged circumferentially on multi-layer circuit boards, then angular position measurement is enabled, but undesired short circuits occur at points of intersection
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver conductor trace is divided into multiple sections separated by gaps. These segmented traces are arranged in different layers of the circuit board, with through-contacts providing electrical connection between layers at specific points. The segmentation prevents continuous conductive paths that would cause short circuits while maintaining the periodic structure needed for precise angular position measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver conductor trace extends into the third dimension by utilizing multiple layers of the circuit board. The trace is arranged periodically along a line at a distance from the rotation axis, with sections in different layers connected by through-contacts. This multi-layer arrangement allows the trace to achieve the required periodic pattern without creating planar intersections that would cause short circuits.
2Volume of moving object
If receiver conductor traces are made compact with periodic arrangement, then device size is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver conductor trace utilizes the third dimension (circuit board layers) to achieve compactness. By arranging trace sections in different layers and connecting them with through-contacts, the design reduces the planar footprint while maintaining the periodic structure. The periodic arrangement along a line at distance r from the rotation axis is preserved, ensuring measurement precision is not compromised despite the compact configuration.
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 enables precise and compact inductive position measuring devices that effectively determine angular positions with reduced short circuits and enhanced precision, suitable for use in robot drives with rotatable scale elements, by utilizing a scanning element with a periodic arrangement of receiver conductor traces and electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
When an electrical excitation current that varies over time is applied to the excitation tracks, signals are generated in the receiver coils during the relative rotation between the rotor and stator that are a function of the angular position.
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning element includes a circuit board having a first detector unit provided with a first receiver conductor trace arranged circumferentially about an axis in the circumferential direction. The course of the first receiver conductor trace has: a periodic configuration along a first line; a first gap along its extension in the circumferential direction; a first amplitude in the first quadrant or in the second quadrant of a Cartesian coordinate system; and a second amplitude in the third quadrant or in the fourth quadrant of the coordinate system. The origin of the coordinate system is located on the axis, and the ordinate extends centrically through the first gap in relation to the circumferential direction. The second amplitude is smaller than the first amplitude.