Inductive Throttle Position Sensor Using PCB Coils and Rotating Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing throttle position detection methods, such as potentiometers and magnetic sensors, face issues like wear, corrosion, and interference from stray magnetic fields, leading to unreliable operation in electronic throttle controls.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of inductive position sensors, comprising a plurality of circuit boards with transmission and sensor coils, and conductive targets mounted on a shaft, which determine the position by monitoring induced signals, providing a contactless and magnetic-field-insensitive solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If contacting solutions (potentiometers) are used for throttle position detection, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the reliability deteriorates due to wear and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contacting solution (potentiometer with sliding contact) with an inductive sensing system using transmission coils and sensor coils. This eliminates physical wear and corrosion issues while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard coil winding and circuit board integration techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field as an intermediary between the transmission coil and sensor coils to transfer position information without physical contact. The transmission coil generates a magnetic field that couples with the sensor coils, enabling contactless position detection and eliminating wear problems.
2Reliability
If inductive position sensors with multiple circuit boards are used, then the reliability improves by eliminating wear and magnetic interference, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the inductive position sensor system: position detection, signal conditioning, and processing are combined in a single integrated sensor assembly. The transmission coil and sensor coils work together as a unified inductive coupling system, reducing overall system complexity despite the contactless design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the transmission coil and sensor coils into an integrated inductive sensing assembly mounted on circuit boards. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies installation, while the modular circuit board design allows for flexible integration into the throttle control system.
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 offers a reliable and durable method for throttle position detection, immune to wear and stray magnetic fields, ensuring precise and consistent throttle control operation.
Implementation Method 1
inductive position sensors, comprising a plurality of circuit boards with transmission and sensor coils, and conductive targets mounted on a shaft, which determine the position by monitoring induced signals
Data Source
AI summary
A control that can be a throttle control of a handle-bared vehicle is presented. According to some embodiments, a control can include a plurality of circuit boards, each of the circuit boards including a transmission coil, sensor coils, and control circuitry the drives the transmission coil and receives signals from the sensor coils; and one or more targets mounted on a shaft and configured to rotate over the sensor coils of the plurality of circuit boards as the shaft is rotated, wherein the plurality of circuit boards are mounted around the shaft, and wherein the position of the target is determined by the control circuitry as the shaft is rotated.