Locking Unit Hall Sensor Layout for Dual Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking units for automatic vehicle transmissions require multiple sensors to sense different components, leading to increased complexity and cost, as well as potential assembly and operational errors.
Innovation Solution
A locking unit incorporating a multidirectional Hall sensor and a magnetic field changing means, allowing a single sensor to detect the position of both the piston and guide element by utilizing magnetic field angle and strength changes, thereby reducing the need for multiple sensors and simplifying the design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to sense different components, then the detection accuracy of each component is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The Hall sensor unit is designed to perform multiple detection functions simultaneously. It detects both the switching position of the piston and the position of the guide element using a single sensor unit, thereby eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single Hall sensor unit. The sensor unit integrates detection capabilities for both the piston position (via permanent magnet position) and the guide element position (via changing element position), merging what would traditionally require separate sensors into one unified detection system
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are installed, then the detection coverage is improved, but the assembly complexity and potential for errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The Hall sensor unit serves multiple detection purposes within a single component, reducing the total number of parts that need to be assembled. It simultaneously monitors both piston and guide element positions, eliminating the need for separate sensor assemblies for each component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detection of multiple components into a single sensor unit, reducing assembly steps and potential assembly errors. The unified sensor unit requires only one assembly location and connection set, simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage
3Device complexity
If a single multidirectional Hall sensor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect multiple components simultaneously must be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the multidirectional capability of the Hall sensor by arranging permanent magnets and changing elements at different angular positions around the piston. The multidirectional Hall sensor detects magnetic field changes from multiple directions simultaneously, enabling it to monitor both piston position and guide element position with a single sensor
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the detection range are assigned different functions. Specific angular positions contain permanent magnets for piston position detection, while other positions contain changing elements for guide element detection. The Hall sensor reads these localized magnetic field variations to determine both component positions
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 enables cost-effective and space-saving design with reduced manufacturing and assembly complexity, while ensuring accurate detection of component positions and preventing 'magnetically blind spots', thus enhancing operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a multidirectional Hall sensor for detecting a magnetic field of the permanent magnet and a magnetic field changing means
Data Source
AI summary
A locking unit having a housing, a piston, a solenoid, a latching element, a guide element, and a sensor unit, wherein the sensor unit comprises a permanent magnet, a multidirectional Hall sensor for detecting a magnetic field of the permanent magnet, and a magnetic field changing means comprises a plurality of changing elements. One of either the permanent magnet or the multidirectional Hall sensor is arranged in a fixed position, wherein the respective other of the permanent magnet and multidirectional Hall sensor is adjustable along a first movement path, wherein the magnetic field changing means is adjustable along a second movement path in an intermediate space of the permanent magnet and multidirectional Hall sensor, wherein the plurality of changing elements defines at least two regions of different magnetic permeability in the intermediate space.