Magnetic Encoder Outer Diameter Expansion via Pressed Surface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inward flange-type magnetic encoders face issues with magnetic force leakage due to a limited magnetic force stable region, caused by a smaller outer diameter of the annular plastic magnet, which is constrained by molding limitations and thermal shock, leading to burrs and cracks.

Innovation Solution

The magnetic encoder is designed with a high form accuracy surface on the sensor-opposed surface, extending the outer diameter of the annular plastic magnet by forming a high form accuracy surface through press processes such as stepwise pressing, chamfering, or bead processing, allowing the magnet to be positioned on a larger metal mold matching surface, thereby increasing the magnetic force stable region.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the outer diameter of the annular plastic magnet is increased to widen the magnetic force stable region, then the magnetic force distribution is improved, but the magnet cannot be surely stopped on the PL surface during injection molding, leading to occurrence of PL burrs or thermal shock cracks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic force stable regionVSAvoidmagnet positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A high form accuracy surface is formed on the annular fixing member before the injection molding process. This preliminary surface preparation ensures that when the annular plastic magnet is subsequently injected, it can be properly positioned and stopped on this high accuracy surface, preventing burrs and thermal shock cracks while allowing the magnet outer diameter to be increased for a wider magnetic force stable region

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the outer diameter of the annular plastic magnet is increased beyond the high form accuracy surface range, then the magnetic force stable region is widened, but the magnet outer diameter is constrained by the limited high form accuracy surface area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic force stable regionVSAvoidhigh form accuracy surface area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The high form accuracy surface is extended radially outward beyond the conventional limit of (d - 2·r) by applying additional press processing to the sensor-opposed surface of the annular fixing member. This dimensional extension in the radial direction provides a larger area for magnet positioning, allowing the magnet outer diameter to be increased while maintaining manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 configuration effectively widens the magnetic force stable region by positioning the annular plastic magnet on a high form accuracy surface, enhancing the magnetic force distribution and preventing molding-related issues like burrs and thermal shock cracks.

Implementation Method 1

an injection molding step of, while the annular fixing member is placed in an axial draw mold, injecting a dissolved annular plastic magnet material into the mold

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInjection molding:

Implementation Method 2

forming by a press process a high form accuracy surface on a sensor-opposed surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPress process: Compression

Implementation Method 3

an annular magnet member that is fixed to the fixing member and has N and S poles magnetized circumferentially at regular intervals in a multipolar manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2952858B1Magnetic encoder and manufacturing method thereof
Publication Date: 2020.10.14 NAKANISHI METAL WORKS CO LTD
  • EP2952858B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2952858B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2952858B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

Provided is a magnetic encoder in which the outer diameter of an annular plastic magnet is increased to widen a magnetic force stable region, and a manufacturing method thereof. An axial-type magnetic encoder 1 includes: an annular fixing member 2 that has a cylindrical part 2A attached to a rotating body and an inward flange part 2B extended radially inward from an end edge of the cylindrical part 2A and is fabricated by press molding; and an annular plastic magnet 3 that is attached by injection molding to a sensor-opposed surface of the annular fixing member 2. The magnetic encoder 1 has a high-form accuracy surface (outer diameter FD of a flat surface) on the sensor-opposed surface more radially outward than a range of a diameter (d - 2·r) determined by an inner diameter d of the cylindrical part 2A and a radius r of a corner between the cylindrical part 2A and the inward flange part 2B. An outer diameter MD of the annular plastic magnet 3 is positioned on the high-form accuracy surface.