Integrated Pin Cartridge Angle Sensing for Debris-Protected Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing angle sensors in construction machines are difficult to accurately align and are prone to environmental debris, leading to reduced accuracy and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A pin cartridge assembly integrates an angle sensing element and target within a cartridge-style pin joint, providing precise alignment and protection from harsh environments, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment and shielding sensors from debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If angle sensors are positioned externally for angle measurement, then the structure is simple and easy to install, but precise alignment between the sensor and target is difficult to achieve and maintenance is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the angle sensor, target, and alignment features into a single integrated pin cartridge assembly. The sensor and target are pre-aligned within the cartridge housing, eliminating the need for field alignment during installation. This merging of components resolves the contradiction by making installation easy while ensuring precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge housing acts as an intermediary structure that pre-establishes the precise geometric relationship between the sensor and target. This intermediary component transfers the alignment function from the installation process to the manufacturing process, where precision can be achieved more easily.
2Device complexity
If angle sensors are exposed to the environment for operation, then the structure is simple, but the sensors are subjected to debris and environmental factors that reduce accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge housing serves as a protective shell that encloses the angle sensor and target, shielding them from environmental contaminants such as debris, dust, and moisture. This protective enclosure resolves the contradiction by maintaining structural simplicity while protecting the sensors from harmful environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin cartridge assembly is segmented into a protected internal chamber containing the sensor and target, and an external interface portion. This segmentation allows the sensitive components to be isolated from the harsh environment while maintaining the functional interface for angle measurement.
3Measurement precision
If angle sensors require precise alignment during installation, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The precise alignment between the sensor and target is performed preliminarily during the manufacturing of the pin cartridge assembly, rather than during field installation. The cartridge is pre-assembled and pre-aligned at the factory, then installed as a complete unit. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by achieving high alignment accuracy while minimizing installation time.
Data Source
AI summary
A pin cartridge assembly can include a pin having an outer surface. The pin cartridge assembly can also include a first sleeve coupled at the outer surface of the pin. The first sleeve can have a first end and a second end opposite the first end and the first sleeve can be statically coupled to a static structure at the first end. The pin cartridge assembly can also include a second sleeve. The second sleeve can be movably connected at the second end of the first sleeve. The pin cartridge assembly can further include an angle sensing element and an angle sensor target coupled to the first sleeve and the second sleeve to detect angle of rotation of a joint associated with the pin cartridge assembly.