Inductive Sensor Arrangement for Rotational Movement Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inductive sensor arrangements for detecting rotational movements face challenges in design space optimization and cost efficiency, particularly when calculating absolute angles over multiple rotations, as they often require complex magnetic field detection and multiple evaluation units.
Innovation Solution
The inductive sensor arrangement employs a coaxial transmission of rotational movement using a multilayered circuit carrier with exciter and receiving structures, allowing for a Nonius calculation of rotational angles without radial offset, thereby saving design space and reducing costs by using a single ASIC component for signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic sensors and gearwheels are used for detecting rotational movement, then absolute angle calculation over multiple rotations is possible, but device complexity and design space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic field-based detection with inductive coupling between a primary winding and secondary winding. This substitution eliminates the need for magnetic gearwheels and complex magnetic field sensors, achieving the same rotational movement detection through electromagnetic induction while reducing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive sensor arrangement integrates multiple functions into a single device: it detects rotational position, calculates absolute angles over multiple rotations, and determines torque information. The same primary and secondary windings serve both position detection and torque measurement purposes, reducing overall device complexity
2Measurement precision
If multiple evaluation and control units are used for signal processing, then measurement accuracy improves, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple evaluation functions into a single evaluation and control unit. This unit processes signals from both the inductive sensor for position detection and the torque sensor, performing Nonius calculation and torque determination in one integrated circuit. This merging reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining measurement precision through coordinated signal processing
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation and control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: evaluating inductive sensor signals for rotational position, executing Nonius calculation for absolute angle determination, processing torque sensor signals, and coordinating the operation of both sensing systems. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate evaluation units
3Ease of manufacture
If radial offset of rotation axes is used in sensor arrangement, then coupling between components is simplified, but design space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric mounting arrangement where the inductive sensor is positioned at an offset location relative to the rotational axis, with the primary winding mounted on a housing element and the secondary winding on a rotating element. This asymmetric configuration achieves effective coupling while optimizing the use of available design space through careful positioning rather than symmetric radial offset
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
This solution enables efficient calculation of absolute rotational angles and torque measurements with reduced complexity and cost, while optimizing design space and improving electromagnetic compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
at least one exciter structure (12A, 12B) and at least two receiving structures (14A, 14B, 14C), each associated with one of the at least two coupling devices (5A1, 5A2, 5B, 5C). The at least one exciter structure (12A, 12B) is coupled to at least one oscillator circuit (26) which, during operation, couples at least one periodic alternating signal (WS1, WS2) into the at least one exciter structure (12A, 12B)
Implementation Method 2
The at least two coupling devices (5, 5A1, 5A2, 5B, 5C) are designed to each affect an inductive coupling between the at least one exciter structure (12A, 12B) and the associated receiving structure (14A, 14B, 14C)
Data Source
AI summary
An inductive sensor arrangement includes at least two coupling devices rotatable about an axis of rotation at a different speed than a rotatable body, and at least one measured value acquisition device, which includes a multilayered circuit carrier having at least one exciter structure and at least two receiving structures, each of which is associated with one of the coupling devices. The exciter structure is coupled to at least one oscillator circuit, which generates a periodic change signal in the exciter structure. The coupling devices are designed to affect an inductive coupling between the exciter structure and the associated receiving structure. At least two receiving structures are arranged concentrically on the circuit carrier without significant overlap. An evaluation and control unit is designed to evaluate signals induced in the receiving structures, provided as at least two different measurement signals, which represent information about the rotational movement of the body.