Magnetic Sensor Arrangement for Actuator Position Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic actuator systems in internal combustion engines face challenges in accurately determining valve positions for closed loop control due to manufacturing tolerances and the lack of a single mechanical system for monitoring, leading to inaccurate indirect estimation of valve positions.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic sensor arrangement is implemented where a magnet connected to the actuator and a magnetic sensor positioned beyond the end plane of the actuator housing sense components of the magnetic field to accurately determine the actuator's position, enabling precise position feedback for closed loop control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If indirect estimation methods are used to determine valve positions, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect mechanical estimation methods with a magnetic field-based sensing system. A magnet is attached to the actuator and a magnetic sensor (such as a Hall effect sensor) is positioned on the actuator housing to detect the magnet's position. This substitution of mechanical sensing with magnetic sensing provides direct, accurate position feedback without the complexity of mechanical monitoring systems, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If a magnetic sensor is positioned beyond the end plane of the actuator housing, then measurement precision is improved for full travel range, but device complexity increases due to sensor positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the magnetic sensor on the external surface of the actuator housing, extending beyond the end plane, rather than confining it within the housing. This spatial repositioning in another dimension allows the sensor to detect the magnet's position throughout the entire actuator travel range, including extreme positions, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing device 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
This solution allows for accurate determination of the actuator's position within 0.1 mm, enabling effective closed loop control of valves in internal combustion engines, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetic sensor may sense a set of components of a magnetic field generated by a magnet, and determine, based on the sensed set of components of the magnetic field, a position of the actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic sensor arrangement for determining a position of an actuator may include a magnetic sensor to determine the position of the actuator, where the actuator may be configured to reciprocate along a longitudinal axis of an actuator housing of the actuator, such that at least a portion of the actuator may cross an end plane of the actuator housing when reciprocating along the longitudinal axis, and the magnetic sensor may sense a set of components of a magnetic field generated by a magnet, and determine, based on the sensed set of components of the magnetic field, a position of the actuator along the longitudinal axis of the actuator housing of the actuator, where the magnet may be connected to or forms part of the actuator, and where the magnetic sensor may be connected to the actuator housing, and where a portion of the magnetic sensor may be positioned at least in a first actuator position beyond the end plane of the actuator housing.