Linear and rotational inductive position sensor
AssigneeKSR Technologies Co.
InventorJoong K. Lee
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus for providing a signal related to a position of a part comprises an exciter coil, and a receiver coil disposed proximate to the exciter coil. The exciter coil generates magnetic flux when the exciter coil is energized by a source of electrical energy, such as an alternating current source. The receiver coil generates a receiver signal when the exciter coil is energized, due to an inductive coupling between the receiver coil and the exciter coil. The receiver coil has a plurality of sections, the inductive coupling tending to induce opposed voltages in at least two of the sections. Embodiments of the present invention include linear sensors, rotational sensors, and novel configurations for improved ratiometric sensing.
Claims13
An apparatus for providing a signal related to a position of a part, the apparatus including:
- an exciter coil, the exciter coil generating magnetic flux when the exciter coil is energized by a source of electrical energy;
- a receiver coil, disposed proximate to the exciter coil, the receiver coil generating a receiver signal when the exciter coil is energized due to an inductive coupling between the receiver coil and the exciter coil,
- the receiver coil having a plurality of sections, the inductive coupling tending to induce opposed voltages in at least two of the sections,
- the inductive coupling being modified by movement of the part so that the receiver signal is related to the position of the part.
13-27. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.