Magnetic Field Sensor for Multi-Gear Position Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems can only sense the neutral position of a gear shift lever in manual or automatic transmissions, failing to identify all gears selected by the gear shift lever.
Innovation Solution
An electronic automobile system utilizing a magnetic field sensor with multiple magnetic field sensing elements and a ferromagnetic target or magnet, coupled to the gear shift lever, generates distinct magnetic field signals for each gear position, allowing an electronic circuit to determine the selected gear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional magnetic field sensors are used to sense gear shift lever position, then the neutral position can be detected, but all gear positions cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field sensor is divided into multiple sensing elements (first, second, third, and fourth elements) arranged in a specific pattern. Each element detects magnetic field components in different directions or positions, allowing the system to distinguish between multiple gear positions by combining their individual measurements. This segmentation enables the sensor to provide detailed positional information for each gear position rather than just detecting a single neutral position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single magnetic field sensing element is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to differentiate between multiple gear positions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The four magnetic field sensing elements are arranged in an asymmetric configuration rather than a symmetric pattern. This asymmetric arrangement creates distinct magnetic field signal patterns for each gear position, enabling the system to differentiate between multiple gears. The asymmetric layout ensures that each element experiences a unique magnetic field signature when the gear shift lever is in different positions, providing sufficient information for accurate gear identification without requiring excessive complexity.
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 the system to accurately identify and differentiate between all gear positions, including neutral, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions by enabling stop-start systems to function effectively across multiple gears.
Implementation Method 1
Planar Hall elements and vertical Hall elements are known types of magnetic field sensing elements that can be used in magnetic field sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A system and an associated method provide an ability to sense, with a magnetic field sensor, a position of a plurality of gears (and neutral) selected by a gear shift lever of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the system and method use a ferromagnetic target having features, positions of which can be sensed by the magnetic field sensor. In other embodiments, the system and method use a magnet having features and characteristics that can be sensed by the magnetic field sensor.