Linear Actuator Position Indicator Using Magnetic Pathway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional position sensors for linear actuators, such as hydraulic cylinders, are often difficult to install, maintain, and repair, and are prone to damage or wear in industrial settings, making them unreliable for precise position indication.
Innovation Solution
A linear actuator design incorporating a magnetic pathway and a magnetic sensor that varies in length with the actuator's position, allowing for accurate detection of magnetic field flux and correlation to the actuator's linear position, enabling easy installation, maintenance, and reliable operation in harsh environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional position sensors are used in linear actuators, then position detection capability is provided, but the sensors are difficult to install, maintain, and repair, and are prone to damage or wear in industrial settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical position sensors with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnet is attached to the movable component (rod or piston), and a magnetic sensor mounted on the stationary component detects the magnet's position through magnetic field flux changes. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages, reducing wear and improving ease of installation while maintaining position detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If conventional position sensors are used in linear actuators, then position detection capability is provided, but the sensors are unreliable in harsh industrial environments
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical sensors with a magnetic field-based system, the patent eliminates mechanical wear and contact-related failures. The magnetic sensor detects position through non-contact magnetic field flux measurements, significantly improving reliability in harsh environments with dirt, rock, and debris while maintaining accurate position detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the movable magnet and the stationary magnetic sensor. This intermediate magnetic field transmission allows position detection without direct mechanical contact or line-of-sight requirements, enabling reliable operation in environments where conventional optical or mechanical sensors would fail.
3Ease of operation
If a magnetic pathway system is implemented in linear actuators, then ease of installation and maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases due to the magnetic pathway components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the magnetic pathway functionality into existing actuator components. The magnet is attached to the rod or piston (components that already exist in hydraulic and pneumatic actuators), and the magnetic sensor is mounted on the cylinder housing. This approach adds position indication capability without requiring fundamental redesign of the actuator structure, thereby improving ease of installation while minimizing added complexity.
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 provides a reliable and easy-to-maintain position indication system for linear actuators, improving their accuracy and durability in industrial settings by using a magnetic pathway and sensor to detect changes in magnetic field flux corresponding to the actuator's position.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic pathway is configured to vary in length with linear movement of the first assembly with respect to the second assembly. The magnetic sensor is configured to output a signal indicative of the magnetic field flux routed via the magnetic pathway.
Data Source
AI summary
A linear actuator comprising a first assembly, a second assembly, and a magnetic sensor. The second assembly is linearly movable with respect to the first assembly such that the linear actuator is configured so as to be in one of a plurality of linear positions. The first assembly and the second assembly cooperatively define a magnetic pathway. The magnetic pathway is configured to vary in length with linear movement of the first assembly with respect to the second assembly. The magnetic sensor is configured to output a signal indicative of the magnetic field flux routed via the magnetic pathway.