Noncontacting position sensor for an automotive steering system
US4924696A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 24, 1989 |
| Grant date | May 15, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 24, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D5/22
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A noncontacting automotive steering angle sensor involving the application of a two element magnetoresistive sensor to an otherwise conventional rack and pinion steering system. The rack is directly coupled to the steerable wheels, and the sensor is integrally mounted in a spring-loaded rack contacting mechanism (contact shoe) used to maintain a meshing engagement between the pinion and the rack. A variable permeability surface is formed on the surface of the rack along the travel path of the sensor such that axial movement of the rack differentially varies the magnetic flux density detected by each element of the sensor. A detector circuit comprising a bridge or simple voltage divider responsive to the differential resistances of the sensor elements develops an electrical signal indicative of the rack position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.