Integral Cylinder Position Sensing Without External Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cylinder actuators require external position sensors that are prone to damage and signal interference, complicating system integration and control due to external connections.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a multi-pole magnetic strip and sensitive element within the cylinder actuator to measure relative position, eliminating the need for external sensors and reducing connection risks by using a telescopic connection for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external position sensors are used with electric cables, then position measurement is achieved, but the cables are prone to damage and signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the position sensor directly into the cylinder actuator, merging the sensor with the actuator body. This eliminates external cables and connections, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining position measurement capability through internal magnetic field sensing between the piston and cylinder body
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a magnetic field-based sensing system. The magnetic strip on the piston interacts with the sensitive element in the cylinder body, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and their associated vulnerability to damage and interference
2Extent of automation
If external position sensors are integrated into the system, then position control is enabled, but the system complexity increases due to additional connections and fairings
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the position sensor with the cylinder actuator as an integrated unit, the patent eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting, cable routing, and fairing installation. This reduces system integration complexity while maintaining full position control functionality through the internal magnetic sensing mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The cylinder actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: actuation and internal position sensing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external sensing components and their associated installation complexity, as the actuator itself provides both motion and position measurement capabilities
3Loss of information
If cables are used to connect mobile sensor to fixed element, then information transmission is achieved, but the cables occupy additional volume and are vulnerable to electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical cable transmission system with a magnetic field-based sensing system. The magnetic strip and sensitive element communicate position information through magnetic field interactions within the actuator, eliminating vulnerability to electromagnetic interference from external sources while maintaining reliable information transmission
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
Simplifies system design, enhances control, and reduces the risk of damage and signal interference by providing a reliable and independent position sensing mechanism within the actuator.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-pole magnetic strip having an alternation of north and south poles extending in an interval that defines a measurement range for the measurement of the relative position along the axis of movement, the sensitive element being arranged in such a way as to detect variations in the magnetic field in the vicinity of the multi-pole magnetic strip
Data Source
AI summary
A cylinder actuator includes two elements mobile one relative to the other along an axis of movement and a position sensor configured to measure the relative position of the two elements, the position sensor comprising a multi-pole magnetic strip secured to a first of the two elements and a sensitive element sensitive to magnetic-field variations and secured to a second of the two elements, the multi-pole magnetic strip having an alternation of north and south poles extending in an interval that defines a measurement range for the measurement of the relative position along the axis of movement, the sensitive element being arranged in such a way as to detect variations in the magnetic field in the vicinity of the multi-pole magnetic strip along the axis of movement within the interval.