Control device having a magnetic component with convex surfaces
AssigneeMeasurement Systems, Inc.
InventorsChris P. Rountos, Richard M. Passaro
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An angle measurement device capable of providing both linear and non-linear control transfer functions directly using a shaped, generally convex, magnet and linear magnetic sensors, such as Hall sensors. The shape of the magnet is also used to control and optimize the magnitude of the angle measured. This technique of using a special shaped magnet is also used with digital sensors, such as digital Hall switches and arrays. This angle measurement device can be used in many applications requiring an accurate, robust, reliable (including redundant) but inexpensive method to translate angle displacement into a signal voltage or current. Industrial or military hand controllers, such as joysticks, are but one implementation.
Claims27
A control device, comprising:
- A component having a magnetic portion, said magnetic portion having uniformly convex sidewalls that terminate at opposing polar portions symmetrically disposed about an axially disposed hole, said magnetic portion further having a shape effective to provide a desired transfer function and a construction effective to minimize magnetic flux distortion, cross talk and hysteresis;
- a shaft extending into said hole;
- at least one non-magnetic bushing supporting said component;
- and
- at least one magnetic sensor disposed adjacent to said magnetic portion.
A control device, comprising:
- A component having a magnetic portion, said magnetic portion having uniformly convex sidewalls that terminate at polar portions symmetrically disposed about an axially disposed hole, said magnetic portion further having a shape effective to provide a desired transfer function and a construction effective to minimize magnetic flux distortion, cross talk and hysteresis;
- a hollow shaft having first and second opposing ends and extending through said hole;
- a handle disposed at said first end of said hollow shaft;
- a first magnet disposed within said hollow shaft in displacement from said component;
- at least one first magnetic sensor disposed adjacent to said magnetic portion;
- and
- at least one second magnetic sensor mounted to said hollow shaft in apposition to said first magnet.
A control device, comprising:
- A magnet in combination with one or more magnetic sensors, said magnet having a shape that is effective to provide an essentially linear relationship with said one or more magnetic sensors between angle position and magnetic flux density and a construction effective to minimize magnetic flux distortion, cross talk and hysteresis, said magnet being formed from a uniform mixture of magnetic powders dispersed in a polymeric matrix wherein said magnet has a shape that is essentially spheroidal with uniformly convex sidewalls that terminate at opposing polar portions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.