CONTACTLESS LINEAR POSITION SENSOR SYSTEM

• US 20160169310A1
• Filed: 12/11/2014
• Published: 06/16/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 12/11/2014
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Goodrich Corporation (Rtx Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Goodrich Corporation (Rtx Corporation)
• Inventors: Essawy, Magdi, Erickson, Staffan, Klode, Harald, Singh, Donald
• Application Number:
  US14/567,906
• Publication Number:
  US 20160169310A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 25/44 Actuating mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: F15B 15/2861 using magnetic means
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 2066/003 Position, angle or speed
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 55/24 with a plurality of axially-movable discs, lamellae, or pads, pressed from one side towards an axially-located member
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 65/18 adapted for drawing members together , e.g. for disc brakes
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 65/186 with full-face force-applying member, e.g. annular
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 66/00 Arrangements for monitoring working conditions, e.g. wear, temperature
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 7/003 for measuring position, not involving coordinate determination coordinate measuring G01B7/004
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 7/02 for measuring length, width or thickness G01B7/004, G01B7/12 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 11/245 Housings for sensors
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 5/12 using electric or magnetic means G01D5/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 5/125 characterised by a first part whose movement represents the measuring value, and by a second part which is moved by an external force in order to follow the movement of the first part
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 5/145 influenced by the relative movement between the Hall device and magnetic fields see G01R33/06

Abstract

A contactless sensor includes a magnet coupled to a piston that is located within a housing. A sensor capable of detecting the position of the magnet is coupled to the housing. The sensor may send linear position data to a sensor interface for processing.

Claims

1. A contactless position sensor system, comprising:

a piston configured to be disposed within a housing, the housing defining a channel along a portion of an inner surface;

a magnet coupled to the piston; and

a magnetic sensor positioned within a portion of the channel and configured to detect a linear position of the magnet within the housing, wherein the magnetic sensor comprises an electronic circuit, and wherein the magnetic sensor is separated from and physically contactless with the magnet.

2. The contactless position sensor system of claim 1, wherein the piston is coupled to a rotating element configured to linearly displace the piston.

3. The contactless position sensor system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor interface, wherein the magnetic sensor transmits a signal to the sensor interface, and wherein the sensor processes the signal into a linear position data.

4. The contactless position sensor system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic sensor comprises a length equal to or greater than a linear displacement of the piston between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position.

5. The contactless position sensor system of claim 4, wherein the magnetic sensor is configured to detect a linear displacement of the piston between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position.

6. The contactless position sensor system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic sensor further comprises an antenna.

7. The contactless position sensor system of claim 6, wherein the magnetic sensor is an electronic circuit having an integral antenna.

8. The contactless position sensor system of claim 1, wherein the magnet is embedded in a tab coupled to the piston.

9. A brake system, comprising;

an electromechanical actuator having a housing;

a piston configured to be linearly displaced within the housing; and

a magnetic sensor positioned within a channel of the housing and configured to detect a magnetic field of a magnet coupled to the piston, wherein the magnetic sensor is separated from and physically contactless with the magnet.

10. The brake system of claim 9, wherein the magnetic sensor comprises an electronic circuit, the electronic circuit configured to convey positional data to a sensor interface.

11. The brake system of claim 9, wherein the magnet is embedded in a tab, and wherein the tab is positioned in the channel of the housing and in proximity to the magnetic sensor.

12. The brake system of claim 9, wherein the piston is coupled to a rotating element configured to linearly displace the piston.

13. The brake system of claim 10, wherein the electronic circuit of the magnetic sensor comprises an antenna integral with the electronic circuit.

14. The brake system of claim 9, wherein the magnetic sensor comprises a length equal to or greater than a linear displacement of the piston between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position.

15. The brake system of claim 14, wherein the magnetic sensor is configured to detect the linear displacement of the piston between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position.