US 2010/0163333 A1 · ROTARY POSITION SENSING APPARATUS

Abstract

An angular position sensor (100) for determining angular position includes a shaft (105) having a threaded portion (108), and a structure for engaging an external application (119). The shaft (105) includes a first permanent magnet (114). A nut (116) is threaded on the threaded portion (108). The nut (116) is formed from a first magnetic permeable material or includes a second permanent magnet (118). At least one constraint (122) is coupled to the nut (116) for preventing rotational movement of the nut (116) while allowing linear motion of the nut (116). A first magnetic sensor (120) is positioned along a length of the threaded portion (108) of the nut (116) for measuring a linear position of the nut (116). A second magnetic sensor (124) is provided for measuring an angular position of the shaft (105). Signal processing circuitry (130) is coupled to receive outputs from both the first magnetic sensor (120) and second magnetic sensor (124) for calculating a parameter relating to an angular position of the rotatable member.

Claims17

Dependent claims

An angular position sensor, comprising:

a shaft having a threaded portion, and a structure for engaging an external application that involves rotation of a rotatable member, said rotation of said rotatable member rotating said shaft, wherein said shaft includes a first permanent magnet;
a nut having threading threaded on said threaded portion;
wherein said nut is formed from a first magnetic permeable material or comprises a second permanent magnet,
at least one constraint coupled to said nut for preventing rotational movement of said nut while allowing linear motion of said nut;
a first magnetic sensor positioned along a length of said threaded portion of said nut for measuring a linear position of said nut;
a second magnetic sensor for measuring an angular position of said shaft, and
signal processing circuitry coupled to receive respective outputs from said first magnetic sensor and said second magnetic sensor for calculating a parameter relating to an angular position of said rotatable member.

4 more elements

A motor vehicle, comprising:

a steering wheel assembly comprising a steering wheel coupled to a rotatable steering shaft engaged to a steering position sensor, wherein said steering position sensor comprises:
a shaft having a threaded portion, and a structure engaged to said rotatable steering shaft, said rotation of said rotatable steering shaft rotating said shaft, wherein said shaft includes a first permanent magnet;
a nut having threading threaded on said threaded portion;
wherein said nut is formed from a first magnetic permeable material or comprises a second permanent magnet,
at least one constraint coupled to said nut for preventing rotational movement of said nut while allowing linear motion of said nut;
a first magnetic sensor positioned along a length of said threaded portion of said nut for measuring a linear position of said nut;
a second magnetic sensor for measuring an angular position of said shaft, and
signal processing circuitry coupled to receive respective outputs from said first magnetic sensor and said second magnetic sensor for calculating a parameter relating to an angular position of said rotatable steering shaft.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Rotary position sensing apparatus

Life of this patent

Rotary position sensing apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17