Rotor Position Sensor Using Split Magnet Phase Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing rotor position detection devices in motors require two magnetic elements to accurately determine the rotational direction and precise rotation angle, increasing manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A rotor position detection device that uses one magnetic element, where two chips are disposed to face split magnets, with specific spacing and alignment to generate phase-different sensing signals, allowing for rotational direction and angle detection without the need for additional magnetic elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If two magnetic elements are used to detect rotational direction, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational direction detection precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of two separate magnetic elements into a single magnetic element by configuring two chips to read magnetic signals from the same magnet at different spatial positions and angles. This combination approach maintains the rotational direction detection capability while reducing component quantity and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces spatial dimensionality by positioning two chips at different locations and orientations relative to the single magnetic element. The first chip is positioned at a first position with a first reading direction, while the second chip is positioned at a second position with a second reading direction. This dimensional arrangement allows the system to extract directional information from a single magnet, achieving the same functional effect as two separate magnets would provide.

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

2Measurement precision

If two magnetic elements are used to determine rotation angle, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation angle precisionVSAvoidsensor structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single sensor module containing two chips that read from one magnetic element. This integration reduces the overall device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate magnetic elements and their associated mounting structures, while still achieving precise rotation angle measurement through the coordinated readings from both chips.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single magnetic element serves multiple functions by providing magnetic field information that both chips can read from different orientations. This multi-functional approach allows one magnetic element to replace what would traditionally require two separate magnetic elements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

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

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 configuration reduces manufacturing costs by enabling rotational direction detection using a single magnetic element while maintaining precision, thus lowering production expenses.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor determines a present position of the rotor by detecting a magnetic force of the sensing magnet installed to be rotatable in conjunction with the rotor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

A distance between the first chip and the second chip may correspond to a hypotenuse in a trigonometric ratio, an inclination angle between the first line and the second line may correspond to an acute angle in the trigonometric ratio, and a distance between the first chip and the second chip in the circumferential direction of the sensing magnet may correspond to a height in the trigonometric ratio

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection with phase difference: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3402056B1Device for detecting position of rotor, and motor comprising same
Publication Date: 2022.07.13 LG INNOTEK CO LTD
  • EP3402056B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3402056B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3402056B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a rotor position detection device including a sensor having a first chip and a second chip which are aligned with a first line and detect a change in magnetic flux in a sensing magnet, wherein the sensor has the first line which is inclined with respect to a second line passing through any one of the first chip and the second chip in a radial direction of the sensing magnet. Accordingly, the present invention provides an advantageous effect of detecting a rotational direction and a precise rotational angle of the motor by utilizing one sensor.