Two axis position sensor using sloped magnets to generate a variable magnetic field and hall effect sensors to detect the variable magnetic field
US6175233A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 2, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 2, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20201
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A dual-axes position sensor 10 having an outer housing 12, an actuator 40, a linear Hall effect sensor assembly 20 for detecting position changes along a first (y) axis, and a linear Hall effect sensor assembly 30 for detecting position changes along a second (x) axis is disclosed. The housing 12 is preferably made out of a non-magnetic material such as plastic. Actuator 40 is rod shaped and coupled to a movable device or shaft (not shown) that is to have its position sensed. The linear Hall effect sensor assembly 20 is unattachably positioned to set on lip 52 of the housing 12, and includes a magnetically conducting pole piece 26, a magnet assembly 24 comprising an upper magnet 21 and a lower magnet 23 that are separated by an air gap 25. Magnet assembly 24 and pole piece 26 are positioned around a Hall sensor device support 14 in a"U" shaped configuration or form. Hall sensor device support 14 is fixedly attached to housing 12 via attachment area 54. Linear Hall effect sensor assembly 20 also includes a positionally fixed Hall effect sensor element 22 attached to Hall sensor device support 14 on surface 15. Linear Hall effect sensor assembly 30 is positioned approximately 90 degr…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.