Inductive Sensor for Relative Deflection in Braking Boosters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance sensors fail to provide a simple and non-contact method for determining the relative deflection of movable components, such as those in braking force boosters, which is essential for controlling braking force effectively.
Innovation Solution
The device employs at least two transmitter elements with conductive and nonconductive regions, arranged relative to a sensor element, using an inductive measurement principle to detect the degree of overlap and determine the relative deflection by analyzing the resonant frequency of a resonant circuit, allowing for non-contact detection and space-saving configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact-based methods are used to measure relative deflection, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and risk of damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based measurement systems with an inductive sensing system. A sensor element with a coil detects changes in inductance caused by the relative position of conductor regions on transmitter elements, eliminating mechanical contact while maintaining measurement reliability and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces conductor regions on the transmitter elements as intermediary components that enable inductive coupling with the sensor element. These conductor regions act as mediators that transmit position information without requiring direct mechanical contact between the sensor and the measured components.
2Measurement precision
If complex sensor arrangements are used to detect relative deflection, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into separate components: transmitter elements with conductor regions and a separate sensor element with a coil. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and installed, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining measurement precision through the coordinated interaction of the segmented components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor element with the coil serves multiple functions: it detects the position of conductor regions, determines relative deflection, and can operate with different transmitter element configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized complex arrangements while maintaining measurement precision.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If traditional distance sensors are used, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmitter function and the sensing function into an integrated system. The conductor regions on the transmitter elements serve dual purposes as both functional components of the actuator and as the measuring target for the inductive sensor, eliminating the need for separate complex measurement devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor regions on the transmitter elements serve themselves dual purposes: they perform their primary function in the actuator and simultaneously serve as the target for measurement. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional dedicated measurement components, reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability.
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
Enables precise and non-contact detection of relative deflection between movable components, facilitating effective control of braking force boosters and other applications by providing a simple and space-efficient solution.
Implementation Method 1
the inductance of the coil is dependent on a relative position of the target with respect to the coil
Implementation Method 2
the at least one coil is part of a resonant circuit. The resonant circuit has a resonant frequency. By analyzing the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit it is possible to determine the inductance of the coil
Data Source
AI summary
A device is configured to determine a relative deflection of two transmitter elements by a sensor element. The transmitter elements are arranged at the sensor element. The deflection of the transmitter elements with respect to one another at the sensor element can be determined based on a degree of overlap of conductive regions of the transmitter elements by the sensor element.