Steering Column Motor Position Sensing With Dual Hall Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column systems for motor vehicles are complex and costly, with inefficient position detection methods that lack accuracy and simplicity.
Innovation Solution
A steering column design incorporating a sensor device with two Hall elements aligned perpendicularly to detect magnetic fields from a rotating magnetic ring on the motor shaft, allowing precise determination of the actuating unit's position and direction of rotation, integrated into a compact and cost-effective 2D Hall sensor system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a position detection device with multiple sensors is used to determine the position of the actuating unit, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two Hall sensor elements (first and second sensor elements) into a single sensor device that detects magnetic fields in different directions simultaneously. This merging approach achieves precise position detection through multi-directional magnetic field sensing while reducing the overall number of separate sensor components compared to using multiple independent sensor devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces multi-dimensional magnetic field detection by orienting the first and second sensor elements at different angles (e.g., 90 degrees) relative to each other. This angular differentiation allows the system to detect magnetic field changes in multiple dimensions, enabling accurate determination of both position and rotation direction without requiring additional sensor components along the rotation axis.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor elements are used to detect magnetic field changes in different directions, then the measurement precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple Hall sensor elements into a single compact sensor device structure that can be manufactured as one unit. This combined sensor device reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to assembling multiple separate sensor components, while maintaining the capability to detect magnetic fields in multiple directions for precise position determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device is designed with multi-functional capability by incorporating sensor elements oriented at different angles within a single device. This universal design allows one sensor device to perform multiple detection functions (detecting magnetic field changes in different directions) simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensor components and reducing overall manufacturing cost.
3Device complexity
If a simple sensor device with fewer components is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves a balance between simplicity and precision by merging multiple sensor elements into a single integrated sensor device. This unified structure maintains component simplicity while incorporating multi-directional sensing capability through angularly oriented sensor elements, enabling accurate position and rotation direction detection without requiring complex multi-device arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enhances measurement precision within a simple device structure by utilizing angular dimension differentiation. The first and second sensor elements are oriented at different angles (e.g., 90 degrees) relative to each other, allowing the single sensor device to detect magnetic field changes in multiple directions and determine both position and rotation direction accurately without increasing structural complexity.
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
Enables accurate and efficient position detection of the steering column components, facilitating precise control of vehicle systems like airbags, while reducing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor device comprises a first sensor element and a second sensor element, each designed and arranged to detect a magnetic field that changes when the motor shaft rotates
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a steering column (1) for a motor vehicle comprising a support unit (2), an actuating unit (5) adjustably mounted on the support unit (2), and an adjusting device (12) with an electric motor (9, 10) configured for adjusting the actuating unit (5) relative to the support unit (2), wherein the electric motor (9, 10) has a motor shaft and a sensor device with a first sensor element and a second sensor element. The first sensor element and the second sensor element are each configured and arranged to detect a changing magnetic field when the motor shaft rotates, wherein the first sensor element and the second sensor element are oriented differently with respect to the electric motor (9, 10).