Metamaterial Shaft Sensing With QCW Radar for EMI-Resistant Torque Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems in vehicles are sensitive to magnetic disturbances, particularly in hybrid and electric vehicles, and require multiple sensors for various measurements, with limitations in accuracy and cost-effectiveness, especially in harsh environments and for measuring torque and rotational parameters.
Innovation Solution
A metamaterial-based sensor system using a quadrature continuous-wave (QCW) radar with millimeter-wave (mm-wave) structures, which includes a metamaterial track mechanically coupled to a rotational shaft, transmitting and receiving continuous waves to determine rotational parameters with high accuracy and scalability across a broad frequency range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic angle sensors and linear Hall sensors are used to measure steering angle and steering torque, then measurement capability is provided, but sensitivity to magnetic disturbances increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic field-based sensing (Hall sensors, magnetic angle sensors) with a radar-based electromagnetic wave system. The QCW radar transmits electromagnetic waves that interact with the vehicle body structure to derive steering angle and torque information, eliminating sensitivity to magnetic disturbances while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach where the radar measures electromagnetic wave reflections from the vehicle body, and steering parameters are derived indirectly from these measurements. This intermediary method avoids direct magnetic field interaction while still obtaining the required steering information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used to measure multiple measurement parameters, then comprehensive measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sensor system where a single QCW radar装置 performs multiple measurement functions. By analyzing different characteristics of the reflected electromagnetic waves (phase, amplitude, time of flight), the system can simultaneously determine steering angle, steering torque, and other vehicle parameters, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single integrated radar system. The QCW radar integrates transmission, reception, and signal processing capabilities to perform what previously required separate magnetic sensors, Hall effect sensors, and other measurement devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If FMCW chips are used for distance measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but chirp bandwidth requirements increase for small distance measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs QCW radar that operates with continuous wave signals at fixed frequencies rather than FMCW chirp signals. This parameter change in the signaling method allows for accurate distance and position measurements without requiring large bandwidth sweeps, thereby reducing the quantity of electromagnetic spectrum resources needed while maintaining measurement precision.
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 system provides robust, low-power, and cost-effective measurements of rotational and linear parameters, including torque, with improved resistance to electromagnetic interference and the ability to perform multiple measurements in parallel, enhancing accuracy and reliability in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
the first metamaterial track is configured to convert the first continuous wave into a first receive signal based on a rotational parameter of the rotational shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system includes a first metamaterial track mechanically coupled to a rotational shaft configured to rotate about a rotational axis, wherein the first metamaterial track is arranged at least partially around the rotational axis, and wherein the first metamaterial track includes a first array of elementary structures; at least one transmitter configured to transmit a first continuous wave towards the first metamaterial track, wherein the first metamaterial track is configured to convert the first continuous wave into a first receive signal based on a rotational parameter of the rotational shaft; and at least one quadrature continuous-wave receiver configured to receive the first receive signal, acquire a first measurement of a first property of the first receive signal, and determine a measurement value for the rotational parameter of the rotational shaft based on the first measurement.