Twisting Force Measurement via Differential Angular Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems used in applications like automobile control systems face challenges in accurately measuring twisting forces due to limitations in sensor quality, failure rates, and overall functional safety.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising concentric targets with teeth, transmitting coils, and receiving coils, where the processing circuitry detects angular positions of the targets based on sensed magnetic fields and generates an output signal indicative of the twisting force between the targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing sensor systems are used to measure twisting forces, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into multiple independent sensing zones arranged circumferentially around the rotational element. Each sensing zone contains its own transmitting and receiving coils that independently measure angular position. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high measurement precision through multiple measurements while maintaining a modular structure that doesn't excessively increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensing zones are nested concentrically around the rotational element, with each zone containing transmitting and receiving coils positioned at different radial distances. This nesting arrangement enables simultaneous measurement of twisting forces at multiple locations, improving measurement accuracy and reliability without requiring separate measurement systems.
2Reliability
If multiple sensing zones are used to improve measurement accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensing zone is designed with universal functionality, containing both transmitting and receiving coils that can operate independently or in combination. The coils are positioned and configured to serve multiple purposes: measuring angular position, detecting twisting forces, and providing redundancy for safety-critical applications. This multi-functionality improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensing zones are merged into a single integrated measurement system that processes signals from all zones to determine twisting forces. The processing circuitry combines measurements from multiple transmitting and receiving coils to calculate angular positions and derive twisting force information, achieving high reliability through signal integration rather than through separate independent systems.
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 system effectively measures twisting forces with enhanced accuracy and reliability, improving the functional safety and performance of sensor systems in critical applications.
Implementation Method 1
one or more transmitting coils; one or more first receiving coils configured to sense a first magnetic field that is associated with the first target and generate one or more first signals in response to the first magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
one or more first receiving coils configured to sense a first magnetic field that is associated with the first target and generate one or more first signals in response to the first magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided comprising: a first target including a plurality of first teeth; and a second target that is coupled to the first target via a mechanical link, the second target including a plurality of second teeth, the second target being disposed above or below the first target, the plurality of first teeth including a different number of teeth than the plurality of second teeth, wherein the first target and the second target are configured to generate respective magnetic fields in response to one or more excitation magnetic fields, the respective magnetic fields being usable to measure a twisting force that is incident on the mechanical link that couples the first target to the second target.