Magnetic Sensor System for Linear Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack a compact and robust method to accurately measure the linear position of components driven by rotatable mechanisms without requiring a separate linear position system, especially in applications where precise angular and rotational data are needed.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic sensor system combining a multi-turn sensor and a single-turn sensor within a semiconductor package is used to detect the number of turns and angular position of a rotating magnet, allowing the translation of rotational data into linear position measurements, eliminating the need for a dedicated linear position system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate linear position system is installed on the linearly driven component, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a mechanical linear position system with a magnetic field-based measurement system. A magnet mounted on the rotatable mechanism generates a magnetic field that is detected by magnetic sensors, eliminating the need for mechanical linear position encoders or similar systems on the driven component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary element that converts rotational motion into magnetic field variations. This magnetic field serves as an intermediary carrier of position information, allowing the linear position to be inferred through rotational angle measurement without direct mechanical coupling.
2Measurement precision
If a magnetic sensor system with both multi-turn and single-turn sensors is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple-turn sensors and single-turn sensors into a single integrated magnetic sensing device. This merging allows both sensors to share the same magnet and detection environment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision through the complementary capabilities of each sensor type.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic sensing device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a rotational position detector (via multi-turn sensors) and an angular position detector (via single-turn sensors). This universal design eliminates the need for separate sensor systems and reduces overall device complexity.
3Device complexity
If a compact magnetic sensor package is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the multi-turn and single-turn sensors are integrated within a single compact magnetic sensing device package. The magnet is positioned to simultaneously interact with both sensor types, creating a nested arrangement that maintains measurement precision while reducing overall 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 approach provides a compact, robust, and accurate method for measuring linear positions, enhancing precision and fault tolerance while reducing complexity and cost, and allowing continuous operation without power.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet is mounted on the rotatable mechanism, such that, as the mechanism rotates, a rotating magnetic field is generated
Implementation Method 2
Magnetic multi-turn sensors typically include magnetoresistive elements that are sensitive to an applied external magnetic field. The resistance of the magnetoresistive elements can be changed by rotating a magnetic field within the vicinity of the sensor
Implementation Method 3
The angle sensor may be one of: an anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR) based single turn sensor, a giant magnetoresistive (GMR) based single turn sensor, a tunnel magnetoresistive (TMR) based single turn sensor, a Hall effect sensor and an inductive sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a linear actuator apparatus, magnetic sensor system and method of use for detecting a position of a component driven by a rotatable mechanism in a linear direction. A magnetic sensing device comprising both a multi-turn (MT) sensor and a single turn (ST) sensor is provided within the same semiconductor package and placed in the vicinity of the rotatable mechanism. A magnet is mounted on the rotatable mechanism, such that, as the mechanism rotates, a rotating magnetic field is generated. The MT sensor measures the number of turns of the rotating magnetic field, which is translated to the number of turns of the rotatable mechanism. The ST sensor measures the angle of the rotating magnetic field, which is translated to an angular position of the rotatable mechanism. As each turn of the rotatable mechanism will be translated to a specific amount of linear motion, the amount by which the rotational mechanism has turned is proportional to the distance travelled by the driven component, and thus indicative of the linear position. Therefore, by placing a magnet and the magnetic sensing device in relation to the rotatable mechanism, with the multi-turn sensor providing the number of turns and the angle sensor providing the precise angular position within each turn, the measured rotational position can be translated to a corresponding linear position of the element being moved linearly as a result of the rotation.