Mechanical design for a sensor to prevent an ice lock condition
US6703828B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 25, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 9, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 25, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01D11/245
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A rotary position sensor which includes a molded housing with a central aperture forming a drive arm cavity, a drive arm assembly and a rotor plate. The drive arm assembly carries a circular magnet and a shunt ring and is rotatably received within the drive arm cavity. The drive arm assembly is formed with an extending stud for connection to an external mechanical lever. The rotor plate is used to close the drive arm cavity and carries a magnetic flux responsive element and one or more flux concentrators and optional flux shunt. The molded housing, drive arm assembly and rotor plate are configured to minimize air space within the drive arm cavity after the sensor is assembled. By minimizing air spaces within the drive arm cavity, the amount of ice build up within the drive arm cavity is minimized. In addition, to further prevent a condition of ice lock of the drive arm assembly relative to the molded housing, all surfaces within the drive arm cavity are formed as smooth surfaces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.