Linear position sensor
US5642043A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jun 24, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 31, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60G2401/17
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A linear position sensor includes coextensively positioned primary and secondary windings, each having an elongated core and a coil radially spaced around the core. A cyclically varying signal is applied to the primary winding which develops a signal across the secondary winding due to transformer coupling. A coupling adjustment member varies the amount of transformer coupling and is longitudinally movable with respect to the winding assembly. The relative longitudinal positioning of the coupling member with respect to the winding assembly is determined by measuring the signal developed across the secondary winding. In one embodiment, the windings are similarly configured, are arranged side-by-side and spaced apart; the coupling adjustment member enhances the transformer coupling between the windings which are telescopingly received within the member. In another embodiment, one winding is concentrically positioned within the other and the coupling adjustment member disrupts the transformer coupling between the windings by being positionable in a gap between the windings. Embodiments are illustrated both for location internal to, and external of, a vehicle shock absorber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.