Position measurement using a variable flux collector

A position sensor comprising:

• a magnetic sensor producing an output signal;
• a magnet assembly including a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole;
• a first magnetic collector assembly arranged to be primarily coupled to a first magnetic pole of the magnet assembly;
• a second magnetic collector assembly arranged to be primarily coupled to a second magnetic pole of the magnet assembly;
• a third magnetic collector assembly arranged to be primarily coupled to the second magnetic pole of the magnet assembly;
• a magnetic circuit path for magnetic flux to flow between the first magnetic collector assembly and the second and third magnetic collector assemblies;
• wherein the magnet assembly changes position relative to the magnetic collector assemblies, and the magnetic sensor is located within the magnetic circuit path between the first magnetic collector assembly and the second and third magnetic collector assemblies, and the output signal is an indication of the position of the magnet assembly.

A position sensor comprising:

• a moving magnetic element with a first end and a second end;
• a source of magnetic flux;
• a magnetic sensor configured to produce an output signal;
• a first magnetic collector assembly arranged to be primarily coupled to the first end of the magnetic element;
• a second magnetic collector assembly arranged to be primarily coupled to the second end of the magnetic element;
• a third magnetic collector assembly arranged to be primarily coupled to the second end of the magnetic element;
• a first magnetic circuit path for magnetic flux to flow from the first magnetic collector assembly through the moving magnetic element to the second and third magnetic collector assemblies;
• a second magnetic circuit path for magnetic flux to flow between the first magnetic collector assembly element and the second and third magnetic collector assemblies;
• wherein the magnetic element changes position relative to the magnetic collector assemblies, and the magnetic sensor is located within magnetic circuit path between the first magnetic collector assembly and the second and third magnetic collector assemblies, and the output signal is an indication of the position of the magnetic element.