Electromagnetic method and apparatus for the measurement of linear position
US7216054B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 19, 2005 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01P15/16
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring a linear position, such as the distance between a sensing element and a movable object, and/or related parameters, such as displacement, direction, speed, velocity, and/or acceleration. The method utilizes a sensing element and an electrically conductive portion of the movable object, or a conductive target coupled to the movable object. The apparatus includes at least one sensing element formed by a section of a coupled slow-wave structure. The sensing element is connected to an RF or microwave generator, and an electronic circuit that converts at least one electromagnetic parameter of the section of the coupled slow-wave structure into a position reading. Electric and magnetic fields excited in the sensing element are split so that most of the electric energy is concentrated inside of the sensing element, while most of the magnetic energy is concentrated outside of the sensing element. The distance that defines the linear position is measured as a resonant frequency, impedance, phase shift or other electromagnetic parameter.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.