Opacity-Based Rotary Position Sensor for Precision Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary device position sensing technologies face challenges in accurately determining the position of rotary devices, such as crankshafts and rotors, especially in work machines, due to limitations in opacity variation and sensor placement, which affects control precision.
Innovation Solution
A rotary position sensor system comprising a rotatable disk with unique opacity at each radial angle, coupled with multiple light sensors and a comparator, allows for precise position determination by generating opacity signals at different radial angles, enabling accurate disk and rotary device positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rotary position sensor uses a disk with opacity variations and light sensors to determine position, then position determination capability is provided, but measurement precision is insufficient due to limitations in opacity variation and sensing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The disk is divided into multiple segments with distinct opacity characteristics. Each segment corresponds to a specific angular position and has a unique opacity pattern that differs from other segments. This segmentation allows the light sensors to distinguish between different angular positions by detecting which segment is currently in the sensing zone, thereby improving position determination accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the disk are given different local qualities in terms of opacity. Specifically, the disk includes transparent regions, translucent regions, and opaque regions that are spatially distributed around the circumference. This local quality variation creates unique opacity signatures for different angular positions, enabling more precise position sensing compared to uniform opacity variations.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sensors are used at different radial angle positions to improve position determination, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light sensing functions are merged into a single integrated sensor assembly. The sensor system includes multiple light sensors positioned at different radial angles, but they are combined in a compact arrangement that shares common structural elements, signal processing circuitry, and calibration procedures. This merging approach achieves high measurement precision through multi-angle sensing while minimizing the increase in device complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The light sensor assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The same sensor system can determine absolute angular position, measure rotational speed by tracking opacity changes over time, and detect the presence of specific features on the disk. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensing systems, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally 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
The system provides enhanced precision in determining the position of rotary devices, improving control accuracy and operational efficiency in work machines by utilizing unique opacity patterns and multiple light sensors to generate accurate position signals.
Implementation Method 1
The first light sensor is located at a known first radial angle position and is operable to generate a first opacity signal indicative of the opacity of the disk
Implementation Method 2
The second light sensor is located at a known second radial angle position and is operable to generate a second opacity signal indicative of the opacity of the disk
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary position sensor includes a rotatable disk, a first light sensor configured to generate a first opacity signal, a second light sensor configured to generate a second opacity signal, and a comparator. The opacity of the rotatable disk is substantially unique at each radial angle value. The comparator is configured to generate a disk position signal as a function of the first opacity signal and the second opacity signal.