Phase-Shifted Magnetic Sensor Arrays for Out-of-Shaft Angle Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current angular sensors face limitations in flexible arrangement and angular resolution when determining rotational angles, especially in applications requiring out-of-shaft placement, and there is a need for improved sensitivity and accuracy in systems like ABS and EPS.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising two groups of sensor elements sensitive to the same magnetic field component but with a relative phase shift, allowing determination of rotational angles by combining signals with a phase difference, enabling flexible arrangement and high-resolution angle sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If angular sensors are arranged at the end of the shaft to determine rotational angles accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional end-of-shaft two-dimensional sensor arrangement to an out-of-shaft one-dimensional linear arrangement. By positioning sensor elements along a line offset from the shaft axis, the system achieves accurate rotational angle measurement without requiring complex two-dimensional positioning, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is divided into multiple discrete sensor elements arranged linearly, with at least one first sensor element and one second sensor element positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the system to determine rotational angles by measuring magnetic field changes at multiple points along the linear arrangement, simplifying the overall sensor configuration while maintaining accuracy.
2Device complexity
If sensor elements are arranged out-of-shaft to reduce system size, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and sensitivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a one-dimensional linear arrangement of sensor elements offset from the shaft axis, transforming the traditional two-dimensional end-of-shaft configuration into a simplified linear geometry. This dimensional change enables out-of-shaft placement that reduces system complexity while maintaining sufficient measurement precision through proper sensor spacing and magnetic field sensing geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes measurement precision by adjusting parameters such as sensor element spacing, sensitivity characteristics, and evaluation of magnetic field changes along the linear arrangement. By carefully selecting sensor positions and sensitivity parameters, the system achieves accurate rotational angle measurement even with the simplified out-of-shaft configuration.
3Device complexity
If traditional angular sensors are used to determine rotational angles, then device complexity is low, but sensitivity and angular resolution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system divides the sensing function into multiple discrete sensor elements arranged linearly, with at least one first sensor element and one second sensor element positioned at different locations along the line. This segmentation enables the system to measure magnetic field changes at multiple points, improving angular resolution and sensitivity while keeping each individual sensor element simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-point sensing to linear one-dimensional array sensing. By arranging sensor elements along a line offset from the shaft axis, the system gains enhanced sensitivity and angular resolution through the spatial distribution of sensing points, while maintaining relatively simple individual sensor elements.
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
Enables accurate and flexible determination of rotational angles by measuring magnetic field components in one dimension, improving sensitivity and angular resolution, suitable for out-of-shaft applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first group of sensor elements sensitive to a magnetic field in a predetermined direction, wherein the first group of sensor elements supplies a first signal indicative of the magnetic field in the predetermined direction
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system includes a first group of sensor elements sensitive to a magnetic field in a predetermined direction, wherein the first group of sensor elements supplies a first signal indicative of the magnetic field in the predetermined direction. Further, the sensor system includes a second group of sensor elements sensitive to the magnetic field in the predetermined direction, wherein the second group of sensor elements supplies a second signal having a relative phase shift relative to the first signal. A combination of the first signal and the second signal indicates a rotational angle of an object.