Wiegand Wire Position Sensor with Reset Magnet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position sensing systems using Wiegand wires and magnets are inefficient due to the need for a significant number of magnets and can suffer from coarse position determination issues, requiring costly and inflexible implementations.
Innovation Solution
A position sensor configuration utilizing a Wiegand wire, position magnets with stronger magnetic flux densities, and a reset magnet with weaker magnetic flux density, where the reset magnet resets the polarization of the Wiegand wire after position magnet movement, reducing the total number of magnets required and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a significant number of magnets are used to enable Wiegand wire polarization switching for position sensing, then position determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the magnetic field function into two separate components: position magnets that provide strong magnetic flux for reliable Wiegand wire switching, and reset magnets that provide weaker magnetic flux for resetting the Wiegand wire polarization. This segmentation allows each magnet type to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the total number of magnets needed while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different magnetic flux densities to different locations in the system: position magnets have stronger magnetic flux density optimized for triggering Wiegand wire polarization changes, while reset magnets have weaker magnetic flux density optimized for resetting the wire. This local quality differentiation enables efficient position sensing with reduced magnet quantity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If alternating pole magnets are arranged to enable Wiegand wire switching between polarization states, then position sensing capability is improved, but the system requires more magnets and becomes less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reset function from the position sensing function by separating reset magnets from position magnets. This allows the position magnets to be arranged optimally for position sensing without needing to incorporate alternating poles for reset purposes, reducing the total magnet quantity while maintaining sensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The position magnets serve multiple functions: they provide strong magnetic flux for Wiegand wire polarization switching and simultaneously provide position information through their spatial arrangement. The reset magnets provide a universal reset function that works independently of the position magnet arrangement, increasing system versatility while reducing overall magnet requirements.
3Use of energy by moving object
If coarse position sensing systems are used to power the position determining system, then power autonomy is improved, but manufacturing cost and implementation flexibility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service power system where the motion of the position magnets themselves generates the electrical power needed to operate the position determining system through the Wiegand wire pulse generation. This eliminates the need for separate coarse position sensing systems or external power sources during motion, achieving power autonomy while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and flexibility.
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 configuration allows for high-accuracy position sensing with reduced resource usage, enabling measurement of long distances with fine position determination accuracy, such as up to 1.455 EE 14 miles with 0.003 inch precision, while minimizing the probability of failing to reset the Wiegand wire.
Implementation Method 1
A Wiegand wire is a specially formed wire capable of magnetization with a polarization in a first state when exposed to a magnetic field, and reversal of the polarization in a second state when exposed to a revere of the magnetic field, known as the 'Wiegand effect'
Implementation Method 2
the reset magnet, which can be fixed in relation to the Wiegand wire, can have a relatively weaker magnetic flux density. When the position magnet(s) become distal to the Wiegand wire, the relatively weaker reset magnet can reset the polarization of the Wiegand wire
Implementation Method 3
Hall effect sensors can be used for direction determination to provide absolute position sensing
Data Source
AI summary
A position sensor is configured to use a Wiegand wire, position magnet(s) and a reset magnet in which changes in polarization of the Wiegand wire caused by the position magnet(s) can be reset by the reset magnet. The position magnet(s), which can move in relation to the Wiegand wire, can have relatively stronger magnetic flux densities, and the reset magnet, which can be fixed in relation to the Wiegand wire, can have a relatively weaker magnetic flux density. When the position magnet(s) are proximal the Wiegand wire, the relatively stronger position magnet(s) overcome the reset magnet to cause a change in polarization of the Wiegand wire which produces an electrical pulse which can be counted. However, when the position magnet(s) become distal to the Wiegand wire, the relatively weaker reset magnet can reset the polarization of the Wiegand wire to prepare for a next count. As a result, the total number of magnets required in the system can be reduced, and the probability of failing to reset the Wiegand wire can be lowered.