Steering Position Sensor Magnetic Coupling Corrosion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steering input position sensors for vehicles, such as watercraft, often require direct coupling with the steering device and intermediate linkage, making them prone to corrosion and misalignment issues, and lack independent measurement capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A position sensor system that includes a rotation sensor with a sensor input shaft and output shaft, coupled via a gear train and magnetic coupling, allowing independent measurement of the steering input position relative to the steering input-support body, regardless of the steering device and intermediate linkage, with adjustable rotational position and external accessibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the position sensor is directly coupled to the steering device and intermediate linkage, then the sensor can measure steering position, but the sensor becomes prone to corrosion and misalignment issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering position measurementVSAvoidsensor durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into independent modules: the position sensor is separated from the steering device and intermediate linkage, with each component functioning independently. The sensor measures steering input position without being mechanically coupled to the steering device, eliminating corrosion risks while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A magnetic coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the steering input and the position sensor. The magnetic field transfers rotational information without direct mechanical contact, allowing the sensor to measure position independently while avoiding exposure to corrosive environments and misalignment issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the position sensor is coupled to the steering input via intermediate linkage, then the sensor can measure steering position, but misalignment issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering position measurementVSAvoidalignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical coupling between the steering input and position sensor is replaced with a magnetic coupling system. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical alignment while maintaining accurate measurement of steering input position through magnetic field interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the position sensor measures independently of the steering device, then corrosion and misalignment are reduced, but direct measurement capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor durabilityVSAvoidsteering position measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling acts as an intermediary that faithfully transfers rotational information from the steering input to the position sensor without direct mechanical contact. This allows independent measurement with high reliability while maintaining measurement precision through the magnetic field connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 independent measurement of steering input position, reducing the risk of corrosion and misalignment, and allowing for remote positioning, thus enhancing reliability and durability.

Implementation Method 1

the position sensor is magnetically couplable to the steering input, magnetic coupling between the steering input and the position sensor configured to transfer movement of the steering input to the position sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20240351675A1Steering input position sensing apparatuses, systems, and methods

Publication Date: 2024.10.24 MARINE ACQUISITION US INC

AI summary

This disclosure relates generally to apparatuses and systems for and methods of sensing steering input position.