Non-contacting position sensor using radial bipolar tapered magnets
US6222359A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 24, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01D2205/775
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A non-contacting position sensor having radial bipolar tapered magnets. The sensor has a semicircular first plate and a second plate. Four semicircular magnets are affixed to the first plate and second plate. Each magnet has a thick end and a thin end. Two magnets generate a linearly varying magnetic field having a first polarity, while the other two magnets generate a linearly varying magnetic field having a second polarity. An air gap is formed in the space between the four magnets. A magnetic flux sensor is positioned within the air gap. The object whose position is to be monitored is rigidly attached to the magnet assembly, causing the magnetic flux sensor to move relative to the magnets within the air gap as the component moves. A varying magnetic field is detected by the magnetic flux sensor, resulting in an electrical signal from the magnetic flux sensor that varies according to its position relative to the four magnets.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.