Rotation-Detecting Apparatus With Self-Contained Switch Signal Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotation-detecting systems, such as those using resolvers and variable cam switches, are bulky, costly, and prone to issues like wear and positional shifts, and may fail to produce switch signals if communication with the high-level apparatus malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

A rotation-detecting apparatus that uses detection coils to determine the relative angle of rotation between a rotor and stator, incorporating a control circuit to output switch signals independently and allowing external apparatus to set rotation angles, thereby reducing size and increasing reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a mechanical cam is used to detect rotation and generate switch signals, then the system is simple in structure, but the cam is prone to wear and positional shift requiring maintenance and adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidcam wear and positional stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cam system with an electromagnetic detection system using a rotor coil, stator coils, and control circuit. The rotor coil generates a magnetic field that induces detection signals in the stator coils based on relative position, eliminating mechanical contact and wear while maintaining rotation detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an electromagnetic field representation of the mechanical cam's switching function. The control circuit processes detection signals to generate switch signals that replicate the timing and logic of a mechanical cam without requiring physical cam reproduction or position adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If a resolver and variable cam switch are used to detect rotation and output switch signals, then the switch signal can be generated electronically, but the number of parts increases and the overall size becomes larger

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectronic switch signal generationVSAvoidnumber of parts and overall size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the rotation detection function and switch signal generation function into a single integrated system. The rotor coil, stator coils, and control circuit work together to simultaneously detect rotation position and generate switch signals, eliminating the need for separate resolver and variable cam switch components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit serves multiple functions: it processes detection signals from the stator coils to determine rotor position, generates switch signals based on predetermined conditions, and can be configured through communication means. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the switch signal is generated in the high-level apparatus without using a variable cam switch, then the number of parts is reduced, but the system becomes unreliable if communication means or high-level apparatus fails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidsystem reliability without external apparatus
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation detection apparatus is designed to be self-sufficient by incorporating the control circuit that can autonomously generate switch signals based on detection signals from its own sensors. The apparatus does not depend on external high-level apparatus or communication means to produce switch signals, ensuring continuous operation even if external systems fail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If an electronic method using resolver and variable cam switch is used, then wear and positional shift are eliminated, but the accommodation space and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelimination of wear and positional shiftVSAvoidaccommodation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the rotor coil, stator coils, and control circuit into a single compact integrated unit. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate accommodation spaces required by resolvers and variable cam switches, reducing overall size while maintaining the wear-free electronic detection benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 apparatus effectively detects rotation without mechanical wear or positional shifts, reduces overall size, and ensures switch signal production without external components, maintaining reliability even if network communication fails.

Implementation Method 1

a rotor coil (22) disposed in the rotor, stator coils (21a, 21b) disposed in each of the stators, a control circuit (17) that processes detection signals induced in the stator coils (21a, 21b) when the rotor coil (22) is excited with an excitation signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3187819B1Rotation-detecting apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 NSD
  • EP3187819B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3187819B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3187819B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This rotation-detecting apparatus (10) is provided with the following: a rotor coil (22) provided on a rotor; detection coils (21a, 21b) provided on stators; a control circuit (17, 23) that detects the relative rotational angle between the rotor and the stators by processing detection signals induced in the detection coils (21a, 21b) as a result of the rotor coil (22) being excited by an excitation signal; and a communicating means (19) for performing data communication with an external device. The control circuit (17, 23) in said rotation-detecting apparatus (10) has functionality whereby a switch signal that turns on and off at preset rotational angles is outputted on the basis of the aforementioned detection signals. Also, the control circuit (17, 23) is designed such that the set rotational angles for the aforementioned switch signal can be changed by the external device via the abovementioned communicating means (19).