Valve Block Position Detection Using Hall Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valve disk systems with electromechanical control face challenges in achieving precise positioning of the control slide due to lack of accurate position detection, leading to imprecise displacement and stabilization.

Innovation Solution

A valve disk design incorporating a gear train, electric motor, and a position detection device with a permanent magnet and Hall or AMR sensor, allowing for precise detection and control of the control slide's position, while maintaining a compact and space-saving arrangement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a position detection device is added to detect the position of the control slide, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The position detection device is integrated into the existing drive mechanism by utilizing the gear train components. The detection device is coupled to the gear train that already drives the control slide, merging the positioning function with the drive function. This integration allows position detection without adding completely separate positioning hardware, thereby improving measurement precision while limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Volume of moving object

If the gear train and electric motor are arranged between two contact levels, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The gear train and electric motor are arranged in the vertical dimension between two contact levels of the base body, rather than extending horizontally. This vertical arrangement utilizes the height dimension of the available space, improving overall space utilization. The compact vertical stacking of components naturally increases manufacturing precision requirements due to tighter tolerances needed for proper meshing and alignment, which is an acceptable trade-off for the space savings achieved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Ensures high accuracy in positioning the control slide, reduces transverse forces, and compensates for misalignments, enabling precise and reliable operation within limited spatial constraints.

Implementation Method 1

A position detection device is provided for detecting a position of the control slide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall Effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 2

Hall or AMR sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAMR sensor: Magnetoresistance

Data Source

PatentEP2916051B1Valve block
Publication Date: 2018.01.31 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2916051B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2916051B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2916051B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A valve disc (1) with a base body (2) in which a control slide (8) is movably mounted is disclosed. The valve disc (1) further comprises a gear drive (12) and an electric motor (14), the electric motor (14) being in rotary drive connection with the gear drive (12). The gear drive (12) is coupled to the control slide (8) for motion. According to the invention, a position sensing device (88) for detecting the position of the control slide (8) is arranged between the contact surfaces.