Rotational Position Sensing via Resonant Coupling Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotational position sensing technologies face challenges in accurately determining the rotational position, speed, and direction of a rotatable member, particularly in fluid flow metering applications, with inadequate damping of oscillations leading to inefficiencies in fluid flow measurement.
Innovation Solution
A rotational position sensing arrangement utilizing excitation circuits with coupling coils and capacitors, where the coupling coil is formed by tracks on a printed circuit board, and a processing means to determine the rotational position, speed, and direction, with improved damping achieved by resonating electromagnetic fields and pulse detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnetic field oscillations are used for rotational position sensing, then measurement capability is provided, but oscillation damping is inadequate leading to measurement inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling circuit is introduced as an intermediary between the rotatable member and the electromagnetic field sensing system. This coupling circuit mediates the interaction by providing resonant coupling that enhances the damping of electromagnetic field oscillations, thereby improving measurement efficiency without sacrificing sensing accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes resonance frequency matching as a parameter change strategy. By adjusting the coupling circuit to resonate at the same frequency as the electromagnetic field oscillations, the system achieves optimal damping conditions. This frequency parameter adjustment transforms the oscillation damping characteristic from inadequate to effective
2Loss of energy
If coupling circuit with resonant frequency matching is used, then oscillation damping is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling circuit is implemented with localized quality enhancement through resonant frequency matching. Rather than complicating the entire system, the resonant coupling is applied locally at the interface between the rotatable member and the electromagnetic field, providing targeted damping improvement with minimal added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling circuit operates through periodic resonant oscillations that naturally dampen the electromagnetic field oscillations. This periodic resonant action provides continuous damping without requiring complex control mechanisms, achieving energy loss optimization through rhythmic resonant coupling
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple excitation circuits are used to determine direction of rotation, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational position sensing is segmented into multiple detection zones using multiple excitation circuits. Each excitation circuit senses a specific angular position, and by comparing the activation sequence of these segmented sensors, the system determines both direction and position of rotation. This segmentation enables directional detection while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple excitation circuits provide feedback signals that are processed to determine rotational direction. The feedback from each circuit about its excitation state is combined to infer the direction of rotation, allowing the system to gain directional capability through intelligent processing of multiple simple sensor outputs rather than through complex mechanical means
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
This solution enhances the accuracy of rotational position sensing, allowing for precise determination of fluid flow rates and volumes, while facilitating remote measurement and maintenance through improved damping and resonance frequency optimization.
Implementation Method 1
the excitation circuit being operable to energise the section, the energy causing current to flow in the section when the section is not driven, thereby exciting an oscillating electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the electromagnetic field excitable by each excitation circuit oscillates at a predetermined frequency which causes the coupling circuit to resonate when coupled to the electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 3
means for coupling to the electromagnetic field thereby damping the oscillations of the electromagnetic field
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device comprising: a rotational position sensing arrangement for sensing the rotational position of a rotatable member, the arrangement including: at least one excitation circuit, each excitation circuit having a sectionwhich includes an excitation coil, the excitation circuit being operable to energise the section, the energy causing current to flow in the section when the section is not driven, thereby exciting an oscillating electromagnetic field; coupling means for coupling to the electromagnetic field, the coupling means comprising a coupling circuit including a coupling coil, and wherein the electromagnetic field excitable by each excitation circuit oscillates at a predetermined frequency which causes the coupling circuit to resonate when coupled to the electromagnetic field; means for detecting the value of a parameter of the oscillations associated with each of one or more excitations in each of one or more of the excitation coils,wherein the parameter is the number of oscillations for which the amplitude exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the means for detecting includes a comparator and a switch for the or each excitation circuit, each comparator produces a pulse when the value of the voltage exceeds the predetermined threshold voltage; and a microcontroller configured to determine at least one characteristic of actuating force acting on the rotatable member at a particular time from the pulses at the output of the comparators of the excitation circuits.