Rotational Sensor Misalignment Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices for measuring rotational position are prone to misinterpretation due to misalignment and require complex electrical layouts, which complicates operation and precision.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with two sensing elements shifted by at least 120 degrees about the axis of rotation, connected electrically, and an arcuate carrier design for compactness, using electromagnetic or optical principles, with controllers for robustness and error minimization, and magnetic fields for precise measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensing elements are used to tolerate misalignment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple receiving members from different transducers into common electrical connections. Specifically, first receiving members of different transducers are connected to a common first evaluation unit, and second receiving members are connected to a common second evaluation unit. This merging approach maintains the precision benefits of multiple sensing elements while significantly simplifying the electrical layout and reducing the number of separate connection paths required.
2Reliability
If sensing elements are shifted by at least 120 degrees to avoid misinterpretation, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of receiving members within transducers. The first and second receiving members are positioned at different angular locations, and the evaluation units process signals from these asymmetrically positioned members. This asymmetric arrangement, combined with the 120-degree or greater separation between transducers, enables the system to reliably distinguish between rotational movement and radial misalignment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Measurement precision
If electromagnetic transducers with multiple receiving members are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and electrical layout complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connections of multiple receiving members by connecting first receiving members of different transducers to a common first evaluation unit and second receiving members to a common second evaluation unit. This approach maintains the precision advantages of electromagnetic transducers with multiple receiving members while dramatically reducing electrical layout complexity by consolidating connection paths.
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 accurate rotational position measurement even with misalignment, simplifies electrical layout, and enhances operational ease while maintaining precision and robustness against errors.
Implementation Method 1
each transducer having at least one sender member (13) for emitting a magnetic field and at least two receiving members (14) for receiving the magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the electromagnetic sensing elements can be electromagnetic transducers
Data Source
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AI summary
The application shows a sensor device (100) for measuring the rotational position of an element (110) that is rotatable about an axis of rotation (8), the sensor device (100) comprising at least two sensing elements (5) wherein the at least two sensing elements (5) are shifted with respect to each other by at least 120 degrees about the axis of rotation (8).