Vehicular magnetic displacement sensor for determining an offset in the output of the sensor
US6445178B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 23, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01D2205/14
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A magnetic level sensor is adapted for interconnecting with a vertically moving component of a vehicle such that the level sensor determines a vertical orientation of the component of the vehicle relative to the frame or chassis of the vehicle. The magnetic level sensor includes a magnetic angular measurement device interconnected to the component of the vehicle such that vertical movement of the component causes a corresponding relative rotational movement of a magnetic element associated with the angular measurement device. An electronic control is included for analyzing an output of the angular measurement device and determining an angle of rotation of the magnetic element and thus a vertical movement of the component. The control further determines an error or offset in the output of the angular measurement device and adjusts an output of the control in response to the error or offset. The control thus continuously calibrates an output of the angular measurement device to account for manufacturing irregularities and drift in sensor output due to temperature variations and aging of the sensors and magnets over time.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.