Non-contact Linear Position Sensor with Flux Collectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing position sensors often impede the movement of structures being detected, and they struggle to provide a non-contact, linear position measurement with a consistent and linear signal response across the range of positions.

Innovation Solution

A non-contact linear position sensor comprising a sensor assembly with magnetic flux collectors and a magneto sensitive element, which detects the difference in magnetic fields emitted by a flux emitter with strategically positioned magnetic regions, allowing for zero net magnetic field measurement at a central position and continuous increasing or decreasing magnetic field detection as the sensor moves relative to the flux emitter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If contact-based position sensors are used, then position detection is achieved, but the movement of structures is impeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition detectionVSAvoidmovement freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based position sensors with a non-contact magnetic field-based sensing system. The sensor assembly uses magnetic flux collectors and a magneto-sensitive element to detect position through magnetic field interactions, eliminating mechanical contact and allowing free movement of the structure being measured.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If simple magnetic field sensing is used, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but linear signal response is not obtained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-contact measurementVSAvoidlinear signal response

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The flux emitter is divided into multiple magnetic regions with specific pole configurations. The sensor assembly includes multiple magnetic flux collectors positioned at different locations. This segmentation creates a linear relationship between position and magnetic field signal by distributing the magnetic field sources along the measurement axis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different magnetic regions in the flux emitter have specific pole directions and field characteristics tailored to their local positions. The first magnetic region has a first pole direction while the second magnetic region has a second pole direction, creating locally optimized magnetic fields that collectively produce a linear overall response across the measurement range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If single magnetic region configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but consistent linear measurement across range is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic region configurationVSAvoidlinear measurement consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The flux emitter is divided into multiple magnetic regions (first, second, and third magnetic regions) with different pole directions. This segmentation allows each region to contribute to linear measurement in its specific range, achieving consistent linear measurement across the entire measurement range while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular region design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 non-contact, linear position measurement without impeding the movement of structures, providing a consistent and linear signal response across the range of positions, suitable for applications like steering systems in vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

a magneto sensitive element positioned between and in operational communication with the respective proximal ends of the first and second magnetic flux collectors to measure the difference in magnetic fields that the first and second flux collectors are exposed to

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a flux emitter comprising: a first magnetic region having a distal and a proximal end, wherein the distal and proximal ends extend between a north pole face and a south pole face of the first magnetic region; a second magnetic region; and a third magnetic region having a distal and a proximal end, wherein the distal and proximal ends extend between a north pole face and a south pole face of the third magnetic region; wherein the second magnetic region is positioned between the respective proximal ends of the first and the third magnetic regions and the second magnetic region has a pole direction opposite to the pole direction of the first magnetic region and opposite to the pole direction of the third magnetic region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11988728B2Non-contact linear position sensor with flux collectors and a plurality of magnets for measuring a continuously increasing or decreasing magnetic field

Publication Date: 2024.05.21 HL MANDO CORP

AI summary

Position sensors, including linear position sensors, that utilize magnetic field(s) are disclosed. Disclosed sensors include flux emitters and sensor assemblies. The sensor assemblies include flux collectors that interact with magnetic fields from flux emitters and with a magnetism sensing device. Flux emitters have arrangements of magnets that when combined with the sensor assembly can provide a constantly increasing or a constantly decreasing signal across a range of relative movement.