PCB Inductive Position Detector for Compact Hollow-Bore Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inductive displacement detectors are bulky, heavy, and costly due to their wire-wound transformer constructions, making them unsuitable for compact applications where space and weight are limited, and their electronic components often interfere with the measurement path.
Innovation Solution
A compact inductive position detector design featuring antenna windings and electronic circuits integrated in close proximity, with discrete target areas that allow for accurate position measurement without interference, enabling a more compact and robust construction suitable for limited spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wire-wound transformer constructions are used, then measurement reliability is improved, but device weight and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional wire-wound transformer constructions with printed circuit board (PCB) based inductive detectors. This substitution maintains measurement reliability through precise PCB trace winding patterns while dramatically reducing device weight and volume compared to conventional wire-wound implementations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical construction parameters from thick wire-wound transformers to thin PCB traces, altering the geometric parameters (trace width, spacing, layer configuration) to achieve the same inductive function with significantly reduced weight and volume while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Volume of moving object
If electronic circuit is placed adjacent to antenna windings, then device compactness is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detector into distinct functional zones on the PCB: antenna windings in one region, electronic circuitry in another region, and discrete target areas positioned to overlap both. This segmentation allows compact integration while maintaining measurement accuracy by carefully positioning the target areas to serve as reference points that define the measurement path and reduce circuit interference effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The discrete target areas act as intermediaries between the antenna windings and electronic circuit. By positioning these conductive or magnetically permeable target areas to overlap both the antenna region and electronic circuit region, they serve as reference points that establish a defined measurement path, allowing the system to compensate for and reduce the effects of electronic circuit interference on measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If discrete target areas are segmented and spaced apart, then electronic circuit interference is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discrete target areas serve multiple functions simultaneously: they define the measurement path, provide reference points for position calculation, and act as shields to reduce electronic circuit interference. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity compared to using separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the target areas with the PCB structure itself, integrating them into the same substrate as the antenna windings and electronic circuitry. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the benefits of segmented target areas for reducing circuit interference.
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 design achieves a significantly more compact and accurate inductive displacement detection system, applicable to various topologies, particularly beneficial for precise angular measurements in large through-shaft or hollow-bore arrangements where space is limited, while minimizing the impact of electronic circuitry on measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the first body comprising one or more antenna windings suitable for transmitting signals or for receiving signals or for both transmitting and receiving signals
Implementation Method 2
said discrete target areas being either electrically conductive or magnetically permeable; whereby induced signals vary in accordance with the relative position of the first and second body
Data Source
AI summary
An inductive detector is provided for measuring the relative position of bodies along a measurement path comprising: an inductive target arranged along the measurement path; a laminar antenna arranged facing a portion of the target; an electronics circuit arranged along the measurement path; wherein, the inductance of at least one winding in the antenna varies continuously in proportion to the relative position of target and antenna.