Magnetic Drive Position Detection Validity Check

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive devices in process technology face challenges with operational reliability due to external interference, such as temperature fluctuations and magnetic field variations, which affect the accuracy of position detection, potentially leading to unsafe operational conditions.

Innovation Solution

The drive device incorporates a detection system using at least two magnetic field sensor elements configured as pixel cells on the same chip, which checks the validity of position detection by analyzing the relationship between magnetic field measurements or position values, providing a validity signal to indicate accurate or inaccurate position detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If magnetic field sensor elements are used for position detection, then position information can be obtained, but external disturbances such as temperature fluctuations and interfering magnetic fields affect the accuracy of position detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidexternal disturbances
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detection device continuously monitors position values from multiple sensor elements and compares them against expected relationships. When deviations are detected, the system generates a validity signal that feeds back to the control unit, enabling real-time correction or rejection of inaccurate position data caused by external disturbances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of sensor arrangement by using multiple magnetic field sensor elements (pixel cells) in a specific geometric configuration. This spatial parameter change allows the system to detect and compensate for disturbances by analyzing relationships between position values from different sensor elements, thereby maintaining measurement precision despite external interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple magnetic field sensor elements are used to improve reliability, then position detection validity can be checked, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidsensor arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sensing function by dividing it into multiple independent magnetic field sensor elements (pixel cells) that can be individually evaluated. Each sensor element provides independent position information, allowing the system to check validity through comparison while maintaining manageable complexity through modular sensor design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the magnetic field sensor elements serve multiple functions: they simultaneously provide position information for normal operation and enable validity checking for reliability assessment. This multi-functionality increases reliability without requiring separate validation hardware, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If additional sensor elements are added for validity checking, then operational safety is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the position detection function and validity checking function into a single integrated system using the same magnetic field sensor elements. By combining these functions rather than adding separate validation sensors, the system improves operational safety while avoiding the increased manufacturing costs that would result from additional hardware components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If position values from multiple sensor elements are compared, then validity can be verified, but processing time and computational load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition validity verificationVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by performing validity checking only when necessary - specifically when position values from multiple sensor elements are compared and deviations are detected. The system does not continuously process all sensor data at full complexity, but rather applies validation processing selectively, thereby reducing average processing time while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

This approach enhances operational reliability by allowing for the assessment of position detection validity, reducing the risk of damage from faulty position detection and enabling appropriate corrective measures, all while utilizing existing magnetic field sensor elements for both position and validity checks, thus being simple and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

at least two spaced-apart magnetic field sensor elements configured to provide magnetic field measurements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3283849B1Drive device with detection apparatus and method
Publication Date: 2022.06.08 FESTO AG & CO KG
  • EP3283849B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3283849B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a drive device for making available a driving movement of a drive input element, which drive device comprises a magnet arrangement, at least two magnetic field sensor elements which are spaced apart from one another and are designed to make available magnetic field measured values, and a detection apparatus which is designed to detect a position of the drive input element on the basis of one or more of the magnetic field measured values, characterized in that the detection apparatus is designed to check the validity of the detection of position and to make available a validity signal as a function of the result of the check in accordance with at least two magnetic field measured values from at least two magnetic field sensor elements and/or in accordance with at least two position values based on the at least two magnetic field measured values and taking into account checking information which represents a reference relationship between magnetic field measured values and/or position values.