Rotating Body Sensing With Segmented Dual-Sensor Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing technologies for rotating bodies face challenges in accurately detecting fine displacements and rotation angles, particularly in smaller and thinner devices, where precise position sensing is required.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a detection target with alternating pattern and non-pattern portions made of metal or magnetic materials, paired with two sensors and a rotation information calculator that calculates rotation information based on sensed values from the sensors, utilizing oscillation circuits and capacitors to differentiate oscillation signals and determine rotation angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single sensor is used to sense rotation, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision of rotation angle and direction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module is segmented into two separate sensors (first sensor and second sensor) disposed at different positions. Each sensor independently detects rotation, and the rotation information calculator processes both signals to determine both rotation angle and direction. This segmentation enables precise bidirectional rotation detection while maintaining relatively simple individual sensor structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the outputs of two sensors into a unified rotation detection system. The rotation information calculator merges the sensed values from both sensors to calculate comprehensive rotation information including both angle and direction, achieving functionality that would require a complex single sensor to accomplish.
2Volume of moving object
If the sensing circuit senses fine displacement to make devices smaller and thinner, then the device size is reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring fine displacements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a detection target with specific pattern portions as an intermediary element between the sensors and the rotating body. The pattern portions (with specific shapes like arcs or segments) convert the fine displacement motion into detectable signal changes. This intermediary structure simplifies the sensing mechanism while enabling accurate detection of small angular displacements, allowing the overall device to be compact.
3Measurement precision
If two sensors are disposed in the rotation direction to calculate rotation information, then the measurement precision of rotation direction is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module is segmented into two separate sensors (first sensor and second sensor) disposed at different positions. Each sensor independently detects rotation, and the rotation information calculator processes both signals to determine both rotation angle and direction. This segmentation enables precise bidirectional rotation detection while maintaining relatively simple individual sensor structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The two sensors are disposed asymmetrically at different positions relative to the detection target. This asymmetric arrangement allows the system to distinguish between clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation directions by comparing the timing and magnitude of signals from the two sensors, enabling direction detection without requiring complex sensor mechanisms.
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 sensing of rotation angles and direction with high precision, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies in detecting fine displacements in smaller devices.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor module may include two sensing coils, and the two sensing coils are provided to different sensors of the two sensors
Implementation Method 2
The rotation information calculator may include capacitors connected to different sensing coils among the two sensing coils and forming two oscillation circuits
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for sensing a rotating body includes a detection target arranged on a surface perpendicular to an extension direction of a rotating shaft of the rotating body, a sensor module facing the detection target, and comprising two sensors disposed in a rotation direction of the rotating body, and a rotation information calculator configured to calculate rotation information of the rotating body based on sensed values from the two sensors, wherein the rotation information calculator is further configured to calculate a rotation angle of the rotating body in accordance with a difference value generated from the sensed values.