Stroke Sensor Calibration Jig for Magnetic Field Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for installing stroke sensors, such as those using flexible substrates, are not applicable to sensors with magnetic field detecting elements and magnets attached to different structures that move relative to each other, leading to positional shifts and reduced measurement accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a jig to prevent positional shifts by fixing the relative positions between the magnetic field detecting element and the magnet, allowing for easy adjustment and calibration of the stroke sensor by moving the magnet within a predetermined range and writing the relationship between the magnetic field and indicator value in a processor, ensuring accurate positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible substrate is used to mount light generating and detecting sections, then positional relationship can be maintained, but this method cannot be applied to stroke sensors with magnetic field detecting elements and magnets on different moving structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to different sensor structuresVSAvoidpositional accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration before installation. The calibration process establishes the relationship between magnetic field values and stroke values while the magnet and detecting element are in a known initial position. This pre-calibration allows the sensor to compensate for any subsequent positional shifts that occur during installation, making the method applicable to different sensor structures without requiring precise mechanical positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the magnet and magnetic field detecting element are attached to different structures that move relative to each other, then the sensor can function in actual applications, but positional shifts occur leading to reduced measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidpositional accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration is performed before installation, establishing the initial positional relationship between the magnet and detecting element. This preliminary calibration allows the system to account for and compensate any positional shifts that occur during installation, enabling easy installation without sacrificing measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter being measured from absolute position to relative displacement. By calibrating the relationship between magnetic field changes and stroke changes, rather than relying on absolute positional accuracy, the system can tolerate positional shifts while maintaining measurement precision for stroke detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If calibration is performed without preventing positional shifts, then the installation process is simpler, but the calibration accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of installation processVSAvoidcalibration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs calibration as a preliminary step before installation, when the sensor components are still in a controlled environment. This preliminary calibration establishes the baseline relationship between magnetic field and stroke. Even though positional shifts may occur during subsequent installation, the preliminary calibration data allows for accurate stroke measurement by measuring changes from the calibrated baseline.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method enables precise calibration and installation of stroke sensors, preventing positional shifts and maintaining measurement accuracy, simplifying the adjustment process and reducing the need for post-installation adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field detecting element that detects a magnetic field and a magnet that generates the magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11486732B2Easily adjustable stroke sensor and method for installing the same

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 TDK CORP

AI summary

A method for installing a stroke sensor is provided such that the stroke sensor can be easily adjusted using a simple process.The method has the steps of; obtaining a relationship between the magnetic field and the indicator value while moving the magnet in the first direction relative to the magnetic field detecting element within a predetermined relative movable range, and writing the relationship in the processor; after the relationship is written in the processor, preventing the predetermined relative movable range from being shifted in the first direction by means of a jig for preventing positional shift, wherein the jig includes an element that fixes relative positions between the magnetic field detecting element and the magnet; attaching the magnet and the magnetic field detecting element, which have been prevented from being shifted, to different structures that are movable in the first direction relative to each other, and removing the jig.