Position sensor
US7415173B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 13, 2006 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 13, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F1/1681
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A hinge position sensor comprises first and second members connected together to provide a hinge, and an optical fiber or wave-guide connected between the first and second members to provide a communication link between the first and second members. A laser or LED is coupled to the optical fiber or wave-guide to transmit optical signals between the first and second members and the optical signal is received by a photo-detector. The optical fiber or wave-guide is physically distorted by actuation of the hinge such that light escapes from the optical fiber or wave-guide. The optical power level received by the photo-detector is used to determine the position of the hinge.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.