Absolute Position Sensor for Steering Column Rake Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power column memory controllers face errors in accumulating the change in position of the steering column due to faulty monitoring algorithms and poor signal quality, leading to incorrect positioning detection and loss of information.

Innovation Solution

An absolute position sensor system integrated into the steering column assembly, comprising a sector, gear, magnet, and sensor device, which detects the angle of rotation of the magnet corresponding to the rake adjustment mechanism, generating a signal for the controller to accurately determine the steering column position without relying on incremental calculations or memory access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a relative position system is used to track steering column positions, then the memory controller can accumulate information to determine current position, but errors occur in accumulating change in position and detecting incorrect previous positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidposition information accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical incremental encoder system with a magnetic field-based absolute position sensing system. The sensor device detects the angular position of the magnet directly, eliminating the need for mechanical accumulation of position changes and providing accurate absolute position information without incremental errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary element that provides a physical reference for position detection. The magnet's angular position directly corresponds to the steering column position, serving as a reliable mediator between the mechanical movement and the electronic sensing system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the current position of the actuator is not saved to non-volatile memory within a certain period, then the system can operate continuously, but the current position is lost after system reset

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem operation continuityVSAvoidposition information retention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The absolute position sensor system provides self-service by continuously providing accurate position information without requiring periodic saves to non-volatile memory. The system inherently maintains position information through the physical position of the magnet, eliminating the need for memory storage and retrieval operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If a sensor device is positioned below the magnet, then the sensor can detect the angle of rotation accurately, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangle of rotation detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the sensing function from complex mechanical encoders and implements it using a simple magnetic field detection approach. The sensor device below the magnet directly detects angular position through magnetic field interactions, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sensing components while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 absolute position sensor system prevents errors associated with relative position systems by providing precise positioning information, ensuring accurate detection and control of the steering column position, thereby enhancing the reliability of the steering column assembly.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet connected to and retained by the gear such that the magnet rotates responsive to the rotation of the gear

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnet rotation: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The sensor device is positioned below the magnet and configured to detect an angle of rotation of the magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11554803B2Absolute position non-contact rake sensor for a steering column

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORP

AI summary

Embodiments described herein are for an absolute position sensor system integrated into a steering column assembly. The absolute position sensor system comprises: a sector connected to a rake adjustment mechanism of the steering column assembly and operable to be moved thereby; a gear coupled to the sector and operable to be rotated by the movement thereof; a magnet connected to and retained by the gear such that the magnet rotates responsive to the rotation of the gear; and a sensor device positioned below the magnet and connected to a stationary part of the steering column assembly. The sensor device is configured to: detect an angle of rotation of the magnet, where the angle of rotation of the magnet corresponds to a position of the rake adjustment mechanism.