Rotary Shaft Position Detection Using Conductive Track Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary shaft position detection systems for valves rely on complex and bulky micro-mechanical switches, which are prone to wear and limited in high-vibration environments, requiring precise manufacturing and assembly, and are not suitable for all applications.
Innovation Solution
A rotary position detection assembly using a non-conductive plate with conductive tracks and a conductive member that rotates with the shaft, allowing contact with conductive points on the plate to generate electrical signals indicating the shaft's position, eliminating the need for micro-mechanical switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If micro-mechanical switches are used to detect shaft position, then position detection can be achieved, but the device becomes complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical micro-mechanical switch system with an electrical sensing system. The conductive member with contact points detects shaft position through electrical contact with conductive tracks on the plate, eliminating the need for complex mechanical switches while maintaining position detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the micro-mechanical switches from the system entirely. By using a conductive member that makes direct electrical contact with conductive tracks, the patent removes the intermediate mechanical switching components, simplifying the overall device structure.
2Measurement precision
If micro-mechanical switches are used for position sensing, then shaft position can be determined, but wear and mechanical stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical micro-mechanical switch system with an electrical contact system. The conductive member makes electrical contact with conductive tracks instead of mechanical switches, reducing mechanical wear and improving reliability while maintaining position detection accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If micro-mechanical switches are arranged around the shaft, then position detection is possible, but manufacturing and assembly become time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the array of micro-mechanical switches from the system. Instead, a single conductive member with contact points rotates with the shaft and makes electrical contact with conductive tracks on the plate, dramatically simplifying manufacturing and assembly while maintaining position detection accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If complex mechanical construction is used for position sensing, then position detection can be achieved, but the valve structure becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the bulky mechanical construction of micro-mechanical switches with a compact electrical sensing system. The conductive member and conductive tracks on the plate create a space-efficient position detection mechanism that maintains accuracy while reducing overall valve structure size.
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
Provides a simple, durable, and cost-effective solution for precise rotary shaft position detection, adaptable to various positions, with improved reliability and reduced mechanical stress, suitable for diverse environments.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive member mounted to rotate with the shaft and to make contact with the first and the second track
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~5B
Figure 6
AI summary
A rotary position detection assembly for detecting the rotary position of a rotating shaft (50), the assembly comprising: a non-conductive plate (10) mounted around the rotating shaft, and relative to which the shaft rotates, in use; the plate having formed thereon a first electrically conductive track (20) forming a closed loop around the shaft, and a second track (25) forming a closed loop around the rotating shaft and having electrically conductive points (30, 30a, 30b) at predetermined positions around the second track (25) separated by non-conductive portions; an electrically conductive member (40; 43) mounted to rotate with the shaft (50) and to make contact with the first and the second track; and one or more output members (60) to provide an output signal indicative of the rotary position of the shaft based on the position of the electrically conductive member relative to the electrically conductive points of the second track and its electrically conductive contact therewith.