Multi-Coil Sensor Distance Detection Temperature Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor arrangements for detecting object distance from a reference plane face challenges in achieving precise detection with a simple and compact structure, particularly in distinguishing between distance-dependent and independent alternating magnetic fields.

Innovation Solution

A sensor arrangement comprising a carrier with a coil element arrangement including a first coil for generating an excitation field, a second coil for detecting distance-dependent alternating magnetic fields, a third coil for detecting independent alternating magnetic fields, and a fourth coil to generate an offset-corrected signal, allowing for accurate distance measurement and temperature compensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a sensor arrangement uses multiple coils for detecting alternating magnetic fields, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidcoil arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor arrangement segments the detection function into multiple specialized coils: a first coil for distance-dependent field detection, a second coil for distance-independent field detection, and a third coil for compensation. This segmentation allows each coil to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall measurement precision while maintaining manageable complexity through clear functional division.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coil arrangement serves multiple functions simultaneously: the first coil pair detects distance-dependent magnetic fields, the second coil pair detects distance-independent fields, and the third coil provides compensation. This multi-functionality approach consolidates multiple detection capabilities into a single integrated sensor arrangement, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If the sensor arrangement includes compensation coils and multiple coil pairs, then temperature compensation and measurement accuracy are improved, but the structure becomes less compact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor arrangement volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor arrangement employs a nested coil structure where coils are arranged concentrically and in series. The first and second coils form a first coil pair, while the third and fourth coils form a second coil pair, with all coils sharing common axes and being closely adjacent. This nesting allows multiple functional coils to occupy minimal space, improving measurement accuracy without significantly increasing sensor volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple coil functions are merged into a compact arrangement where the same physical space serves multiple detection purposes. The series connection of coils and their coaxial arrangement allow the sensor to detect both distance-dependent and distance-independent fields simultaneously while maintaining a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the sensor arrangement uses a simple coil structure, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature compensation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoil arrangement simplicityVSAvoidtemperature compensation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor arrangement applies local quality differentiation by assigning specific coils to specific functions: the first coil is optimized for distance-dependent detection, the second coil for distance-independent detection, and the third coil specifically for temperature compensation. This localized functional assignment enables effective temperature compensation without requiring a completely complex overall structure, as each coil's role is clearly defined and optimized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution enables high-accuracy detection of object distance with improved temperature compensation, ensuring precise measurement and a compact structure, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

a first coil element (14) for generating an excitation field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a second coil element (16) for detecting an alternating magnetic field generated by the first coil element (14) and dependent on the distance (D), and a third coil element (20.1) for detecting the alternating magnetic field generated by the first or another coil element (18)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The transmitting coil transmits an excitation field for inducing eddy currents in a metallic trigger brought into proximity with the sensor arrangement. These eddy currents generate an eddy current field that induces a voltage in at least the first coil of the receiving coil arrangement.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Data Source

PatentEP4083663B1Sensor arrangement for detecting a distance of an object from a reference plane
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 DR JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GMBH
  • EP4083663B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4083663B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4083663B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~2d

AI summary

A sensor arrangement for detecting the distance (D) of an object (1) from a reference plane (A0) comprises a support (10) and a coil element arrangement (12) with at least one first coil element (14) for generating an excitation field, a second coil element (16) for detecting an alternating magnetic field generated by the first coil element (14) and dependent on the distance (D), and a third coil element (20.1) for detecting the alternating magnetic field generated by the first or a further coil element (14, 18). The coil element arrangement (12) comprises a fourth coil element (20.2) for detecting the alternating magnetic field generated by the first or further coil elements (14, 18) and independent of the distance (D).