Radial Magnetic Sensor for Brushless Motor Angle Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic sensors for rotating electric machines face challenges such as imprecise readings due to axial displacement and heat dilation, which complicates the installation of electric brakes and leads to synchronization issues in brushless motors.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic sensor is mounted solidly on the motor shaft with a rotary portion containing magnets that produce a radial magnetic flux, detected by analog Hall sensors, allowing for precise measurement of motor angle and parameters, and is designed to be compatible with analog control systems, thereby enabling precise control and synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If magnetic sensors are installed at the front end of the motor shaft for axial reading, then motor angle detection is achieved, but the installation of electric brake becomes problematic requiring brackets and additional means

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor angle detectionVSAvoidbrake installation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from axial magnetic field reading to radial magnetic field reading. The magnets are arranged radially on the rotor, and the Hall sensors are positioned to detect the radial component of the magnetic flux. This dimensional change allows the sensor to be installed away from the front end of the shaft, enabling straightforward electric brake installation without brackets or additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If axial reading of magnetic field is used, then motor angle can be detected, but readings become imprecise due to axial displacements from motor gears

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field reading precisionVSAvoidaxial clearance stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the reading direction from axial to radial. The radial magnetic flux density is measured by Hall sensors positioned radially outward from the rotor magnets. Since radial displacement caused by gear axial movements does not affect the radial measurement as significantly as axial displacement affects axial measurement, this dimensional change provides stable and precise readings even with axial clearances present in the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If axial reading is used with low magnetic force, then sensor installation is simplified, but tolerance problems arise from heat dilation during braking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor installation simplicityVSAvoidreading precision under heat dilation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from axial magnetic flux density to radial magnetic flux density. The radial component of the magnetic field is inherently stronger and more stable. During braking, when heat dilation occurs and axial clearances change, the radial measurement remains stable because the radial distance from the rotor magnets to the stator sensors is not significantly affected by axial thermal expansion, thus maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Extent of automation

If digital sensors are used for control, then control signals are obtained, but compatibility with analog control systems is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedigital control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the output signal type from digital to analog. By using radial magnetic field reading with Hall sensors, the system naturally produces analog sinusoidal waveforms that represent the motor angle and speed. These analog signals are directly compatible with traditional analog control systems and power electronics, eliminating the need for digital-to-analog conversion and ensuring broad system compatibility while maintaining full automation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides stable and precise signal readings, immune to axial clearances and heat-induced tolerances, allowing for efficient synchronization of brushless motors with reduced installation complexity and cost.

Implementation Method 1

A magnetic sensor is mounted solidly on the motor shaft with a rotary portion containing magnets that produce a radial magnetic flux

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic flux generation: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

detected by analog Hall sensors, allowing for precise measurement of motor angle and parameters

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3327906B1A magnetic sensor for rotating electric machines
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 METALROTA SRL
  • EP3327906B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3327906B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3327906B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The magnetic sensor (1) for rotating electric machines, adapted to be mounted solidly on a rotary shaft (3) of a rotating electric machine (2), comprises: a rotary portion (5) solidly fixable to the shaft (3) in a determined axial position of the shaft (3) itself, adapted to radially produce a magnetic flux from an external lateral surface (5a) of the rotary portion (5); and a stator portion (10) adapted to be fixed to a frame (4) of the electric machine (2) and comprising a means for radially detecting variations in the magnetic flux during the rotation (R) of the shaft (3).