Linear Position Sensor Gain Offset Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current linear position sensor systems are only accurate within a limited range due to factors like ambient temperature, geometry, air gap, magnet material, and magnetization angle, which affect their ability to detect magnet position beyond zero crossings.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a linear position sensor system utilizing three-dimensional/two-dimensional Hall technology, with a controller that adjusts magnetic flux measurements by calculating offsets and gains based on reference values to accurately detect magnet position at extended stroke lengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the magnet stroke length is extended beyond the traditional zero crossing area, then the operational range of the position sensor is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to increased impact from temperature, geometry, air gap, magnet material, and magnetization angle factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnet stroke lengthVSAvoidposition detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the gain and offset parameters of the position sensor based on the detected magnetic flux values. The controller modifies these parameters in real-time to compensate for variations caused by extended stroke lengths, temperature changes, air gap variations, and magnetization angle deviations, thereby maintaining measurement precision across the extended operational range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the magnetic flux values detected by the position sensor and using this information to adjust the gain and offset parameters. The controller compares the detected flux against reference values and dynamically modifies the sensor parameters to maintain accuracy, creating a closed-loop system that compensates for errors introduced by extended stroke lengths and environmental factors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If environmental factors such as ambient temperature and air gap variations are present, then the adaptability of the system to different operating conditions is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to increased errors in position detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational range under varying conditionsVSAvoidposition detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent compensates for environmental factors by dynamically changing the gain and offset parameters based on detected magnetic flux variations. When temperature or air gap conditions change, the magnetic flux signal changes accordingly, and the controller adjusts the parameters to maintain accurate position detection despite these environmental variations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of environmental variations into a beneficial signal by using the changes in magnetic flux caused by temperature and air gap variations as the basis for parameter adjustment. The system detects these variations through the flux signal and uses them to automatically compensate for the errors they introduce, turning the harmful environmental influence into useful feedback information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 accurate detection of magnet position beyond traditional zero crossings, improving the system's operational range and reducing errors caused by environmental and design-related factors.

Implementation Method 1

the position sensor may measure a magnetic flux produced by the magnet and produce an electrical signal that varies as the position of the magnet varies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic flux: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

linear position sensor systems utilizing three-dimensional/two-dimensional hall technology

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2593753B1Linear position sensor system
Publication Date: 2018.04.25 TYCO ELECTRONICS BELGIUM EC
  • EP2593753B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2593753B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2593753B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A position sensor measures a magnetic flux of a magnetic field produced by a magnet system in a first direction and a second direction. Values associated with the measured magnetic flux in the first direction are adjusted based on a first gain and a first offset that are determined based on the measured magnetic flux and a reference magnetic flux in the first direction. Values associated with the measured magnetic flux in the second direction are adjusted based on a second gain and a second offset that are determined based on the measured magnetic flux and a reference magnetic flux in the second direction. A position of the magnet system with respect to the position sensor at a given time may then be determined based on the adjusted values of the magnetic flux in the first and second directions at the given time.