Magnetic position sensor having shaped pole pieces for improved output linearity
First Claim
1. A magnetic sensor, comprising:
- a magnetic circuit including;
first and second magnets spaced apart to define an air gap extending along an axis; and
first and second shaped pole pieces at least partially formed of a non-magnetic material and at least partially disposed within said air gap adjacent respective ones of said first and second magnets to produce a magnetic field having varying magnetic flux density along said axis; and
a magnetic flux sensor disposed within said magnetic field and operable to sense said varying magnetic flux density along said axis.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A magnetic position sensor including a pair of magnets of opposite polarity which are spaced apart to define an air gap extending along an axis, and a pair of shaped pole pieces at least partially disposed within the air gap and positioned adjacent respective ones of the magnets. The pole pieces are formed of a composite material comprising a non-magnetic material and a magnetizable material. The pole pieces cooperate with the magnets to generate a magnetic field that is substantially symmetrical relative to the axis and which has a magnetic flux density that linearly varies along the axis. A magnetic flux sensor is positioned within the magnetic field to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux density along the axis through a sensing plane oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis. The magnetic flux sensor generates an output signal uniquely representative of a sensed magnitude of the magnetic flux density.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. A magnetic sensor, comprising:
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a magnetic circuit including;
first and second magnets spaced apart to define an air gap extending along an axis; and
first and second shaped pole pieces at least partially formed of a non-magnetic material and at least partially disposed within said air gap adjacent respective ones of said first and second magnets to produce a magnetic field having varying magnetic flux density along said axis; and
a magnetic flux sensor disposed within said magnetic field and operable to sense said varying magnetic flux density along said axis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A magnetic sensor, comprising:
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a magnetic circuit including;
first and second magnets spaced apart to define an air gap extending along an axis;
first and second shaped pole pieces at least partially formed of a non-magnetic material and at least partially disposed within said air gap adjacent respective ones of said first and second magnets; and
a magnetically permeable bracket extending peripherally about said first and second magnets and said first and second pole pieces and being peripherally interrupted by at least one opening;
wherein said magnetic circuit produces a magnetic field having varying magnetic flux density along said axis; and
a magnetic flux sensor disposed within said magnetic field and operable to sense said varying magnetic flux density along said axis. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A magnetic sensor, comprising:
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a magnetic circuit including;
first and second magnets spaced apart to define an air gap extending along an axis; and
first and second shaped pole pieces at least partially formed of a non-magnetic material and at least partially disposed within said air gap adjacent respective ones of said first and second magnets, each of said first and second shaped pole pieces including at least one ramp-shaped portion;
wherein said magnetic circuit produces a magnetic field having varying magnetic flux density along said axis; and
a magnetic flux sensor disposed within said magnetic field and operable to sense said varying magnetic flux density along said axis. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification