Integrated Magnet Block for Linear Rod Displacement Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear wheel steering apparatuses for vehicles face challenges in efficiently detecting rod displacement while preventing rotation, leading to increased component counts, complex assembly, and higher costs due to separate displacement detection systems and additional components.
Innovation Solution
A displacement detection apparatus featuring a magnet block with elongate grooves and a metal nut, integrated into a linear motion mechanism, which uses a single bolt and nut to secure the magnet block to the rod, allowing for both displacement detection and rotational restraint, thereby reducing the number of components and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate displacement detection apparatus is attached to the rod, then displacement detection is achieved, but the number of components increases and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement detection apparatus is merged with the means for preventing rod rotation into a single integrated component. The magnet block includes both the permanent magnet for displacement detection and the protruding portions that engage with the key groove for rotational restraint, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet block serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides displacement detection through the permanent magnet, prevents rod rotation through the protruding portions engaging with the key groove, and acts as a mounting structure for the displacement sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the system design.
2Measurement precision
If additional components are added to the housing for displacement detection, then detection capability is improved, but cost reduction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement detection apparatus is integrated into the existing housing structure by utilizing the key groove that is already part of the rod design. The magnet block engages with this existing feature, eliminating the need for additional separate components and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining detection capability.
3Ease of operation
If the displacement detection apparatus is integrated into the servo unit, then assembly is simplified, but the servo unit becomes a separately provided component increasing overall complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement detection apparatus is directly integrated into the housing structure rather than being part of a separate servo unit. The magnet block engages with the key groove on the rod and the housing, creating a unified structure that simplifies assembly while reducing overall system complexity by eliminating separate servo unit boundaries.
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 effectively detects rod displacement while preventing rotation, reducing the size, weight, and cost of the displacement detection apparatus and rear wheel steering system by integrating the magnet block and nut, ensuring accurate detection precision and easier mounting.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet (5b) disposed parallel to the rod (2), and a displacement sensor (5a) disposed at a central portion of the electronic circuit board (40) within a region facing a path of movement of the permanent magnet (5b) so as to detect magnetic flux changes of the permanent magnet (5b)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 7~8
AI summary
A displacement detection apparatus (5) for a linear motion mechanism (3c) includes a nut member (36), a rod (2) including elongate grooves (2r, 2s) elongating in an axial direction of the rod (2) and a through hole (2h), a permanent magnet (5b) disposed parallel to the rod (2), a magnet block (50) made of synthetic resin and including a retaining portion (52) holding the permanent magnet (5b), a pair of leg portions (53) extending from ends of the retaining portion (52) that are spaced apart, and a nut (54) made of metal insert-molded at an intermediate position between the pair of leg portions (53), and a displacement sensor (5a) disposed opposing to the permanent magnet (5b). The pair of leg portions (53) and the nut (54) of the magnet block (50) are disposed in the elongate groove (2r) of the rod (2) and the magnet block (50) is fixed to the rod (2) by a bolt (51) screwed to the nut (54), the bolt (51) penetrating through the through hole (2h) extending through the rod (2).