Steering Position Torque Sensor Inductive Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing angle sensors in automotive steering systems face issues with entanglement and complexity, particularly due to the need for long electrical cables to accommodate multiple rotations of the steering wheel, which can lead to compromised operations and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A combination transmitter/receiver coil system is coaxially mounted around the steering column, with a floating PCB on the output shaft, using inductive coupling to eliminate the need for long cables and provide both torque and wheel position sensing, powered and data-transmitting through electromagnetic energy, and a gear wheel system for precise angular position determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If long electrical cables are used to accommodate multiple rotations of the steering wheel, then the angular position can be tracked over multiple revolutions, but the electrical connector becomes entangled and the system reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based electrical connection system with an electromagnetic coupling system. A transmitter coil on the stationary input shaft and a receiver coil on the rotating output shaft create an electromagnetic field that transfers both power and signal data without physical electrical contacts, eliminating cable entanglement and contact wear while enabling multi-revolution angle tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic coupling system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power transmission from the stationary to rotating component, carries digital angle position signals, and enables torque measurement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cable-based power and signal connections that would otherwise be entangled
2Measurement precision
If previously known angle sensor systems are used, then angular deflection can be measured, but the system construction becomes unduly complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the torque measurement function and the multi-revolution angle position tracking function into a single integrated electromagnetic sensor system. The same transmitter and receiver coils used for torque measurement also carry the angle position information through their electromagnetic coupling, eliminating the need for separate cable-based angle sensors and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic coupling system performs multiple measurement functions with a single system architecture: it measures torque through the electromagnetic coupling strength, tracks angular position over multiple revolutions through the coil interaction patterns, and provides power to the rotating component. This multi-functionality reduces complexity compared to separate dedicated systems for each function
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 solution effectively measures the angular deflection and position of vehicle wheels without the need for extensive electrical connections, reducing entanglement risks and system complexity, while providing accurate data to the vehicle's ECU.
Implementation Method 1
A combination transmitter/receiver coil system is coaxially mounted around the steering column, with a floating PCB on the output shaft, using inductive coupling to eliminate the need for long cables
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor circuit for use with a shaft assembly rotatably mounted in a housing and having an input shaft, an output shaft and a torsion bar which connects the input and output shafts together. A CR coil mounted to the housing around the shaft assembly is energized and generates an electromagnetic field. An RX coil is mounted to and rotates with the shaft assembly and has an output connected to a power circuit to generate electrical energy when excited by the electromagnetic field from the first coil. The power circuit powers an angle sensor which transmits a signal back to the first coil representative of the angle between the input and output shafts.