Magnetic Field Sensor Self-Test Module for Gear Wobble Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic field sensors struggle to accurately detect the rotation and position of ferromagnetic gears, especially in the presence of radial asymmetry and wobble, which can lead to marginal conditions that may result in sensor failure due to variations in air gap and temperature changes.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic field sensor with a self-test module that receives proximity signals from magnetic field sensing elements, identifies and communicates selected values to assess the sensor's and object's conditions, enabling detection of pass/fail and marginal states, thereby ensuring accurate operation despite variations in air gap and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic field sensors are used to detect gear rotation and position, then rotational information can be provided to control processors for ignition timing and fuel injection, but the sensors are vulnerable to failure under marginal conditions caused by radial asymmetry and wobble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-test module that performs preliminary detection of marginal conditions before they cause sensor failure. The system proactively identifies issues related to radial asymmetry and wobble by analyzing proximity signals, allowing the control processor to take preventive actions or switch to backup sensing methods before the sensor fails completely.
2Reliability
If conventional magnetic field sensors operate without self-test capability, then device complexity is reduced, but the sensors cannot detect marginal conditions and may fail unexpectedly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-test module that enables the magnetic field sensor to autonomously detect its own operational status and marginal conditions. The self-test capability allows the sensor to self-diagnose issues related to radial asymmetry and wobble without requiring external monitoring systems, achieving self-service functionality that improves reliability while adding only minimal complexity.
3Reliability
If the sensor operates without self-test capability, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the sensor cannot provide information about geometrical consistency and may fail under varying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-test module that enables the magnetic field sensor to perform multiple functions: normal rotation detection and self-diagnosis of marginal conditions. This multi-functionality allows a single sensor component to provide both operational data and health status information, improving reliability without requiring separate monitoring systems and maintaining ease of manufacture through integrated design.
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
The self-test capability allows for the detection of marginal conditions, preventing sensor failure and maintaining accuracy in the presence of radial asymmetry and wobble, ensuring reliable operation across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
one or more magnetic field sensing elements disposed on a substrate and configured to generate a proximity signal responsive to a proximity of a sensed object
Implementation Method 2
The self-test module is coupled to receive the proximity signal, configured to identify a plurality of values of the proximity signal, and configured to communicate selected ones of the plurality of values
Data Source
AI summary
Magnetic field sensors and related techniques can identify passing conditions, failing conditions, and marginal conditions of a sensed object. A magnetic field sensor used in the techniques can have a substrate and can have one or more magnetic field sensing elements disposed on the substrate that are configured to generate a proximity signal responsive to a proximity of the sensed object. The magnetic field sensor can have a self-test module disposed on the substrate, coupled to receive the proximity signal, configured to sample the proximity signal, by analog sampling or digitally converting, to generate a plurality of analog samples or a plurality of digital samples, respectively, each digital sample comprising a plurality of digital bits, configured to select samples from among the plurality of analog or digital samples, and configured to communicate the selected samples to outside of the magnetic field sensor.