Multilayer PCB Scanning Element for Tilt-Resistant Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inductive position measuring devices are sensitive to pitching and tilting movements, which affect measurement accuracy and require a design that is insensitive to these movements while being compact and cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer printed circuit board (PCB) with specific configurations of excitation and receiver traces, including loops and conductor segments arranged in orthogonal directions, forms an electrically continuous path to enhance signal strength and reduce sensitivity to pitching and tilting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If receiver conductor tracks are interrupted by gaps to reduce sensitivity to pitch and tilt, then measurement accuracy improves, but signal strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver conductor track is divided into multiple discrete loops arranged in series, with gaps between them. This segmentation reduces sensitivity to pitch and tilt movements while maintaining electrical continuity through the series connection of loops, thereby improving measurement accuracy without complete signal loss
Solution Approach 2:
The conductor segments are arranged in multiple layers of the PCB, creating a three-dimensional structure. This allows the receiver trace to maintain signal strength through vertical stacking while horizontal gaps reduce sensitivity to pitch and tilt in the measurement direction
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple parallel conductor segments are used to enhance signal strength, then signal strength improves, but sensitivity to pitch and tilt increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the receiver trace have different configurations: some sections have parallel conductor segments for signal strength, while other sections have gaps between segments to reduce pitch and tilt sensitivity. This local differentiation allows optimization of different trace regions for different functions
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel conductor segments are offset in the third direction (orthogonal to the measuring direction), creating an asymmetric arrangement that reduces the impact of pitch and tilt movements on measurement accuracy while maintaining signal coupling
3Volume of moving object
If conductor segments are arranged in multiple layers to form loops, then device compactness improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multilayer PCB structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, creates the loop configurations for signal reception, enables three-dimensional conductor routing to reduce pitch/tilt sensitivity, and integrates via connections for electrical continuity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical three-dimensional conductor routing with planar PCB trace technology across multiple layers. The loops and series connections are achieved through standard PCB manufacturing processes (copper traces and vias) rather than mechanical assembly, reducing manufacturing 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 design provides accurate, compact, and cost-effective scanning elements that minimize measurement errors due to pitching and tilting, ensuring high signal strength and resolution in angular position measurements.
Implementation Method 1
When a time-varying electrical excitation current is applied to the excitation conductors, signals dependent on the relative position are generated in the receiver conductors during the relative movement between the rotor and stator
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5e
AI summary
The invention relates to a scanning element for an inductive position measuring device, comprising a multilayer printed circuit board (1) which has a first receiver conductor track (1.1) extending along a first direction (x) and an excitation track (1.3). The first receiver conductor track (1.1) is formed from several first conductor track sections (1.111) which are connected in series. Along a section (A) of the printed circuit board (1), two first conductor track sections (1.111) are arranged offset from each other and parallel to each other with respect to a third direction (z). Along a first section (B1) that is arranged offset from the section (A) in the first direction (x), another of the first conductor track sections (1.111) runs in the printed circuit board (1), without this first conductor track section (1.111) running parallel to the other first conductor track section (1.111) with respect to the third direction (z). (Figure 5e)