Abstract:
In one embodiment, a sensor assembly has a sensor housing (17, 38) forming a fluid chamber and a magnetostrictive wire (18, 23, 30) that undergoes stress induced by fluid in the chamber. The wire (18, 23, 30) defines opposed ends, each being associated with a respective terminal. Respective hermetic seals (20) penetrate the housing (17, 38) and are coupled to the respective terminals.
Abstract:
Sensor assembly 20 and method for non-intrusively sensing instantaneous speed of an engine are provided. The engine includes a crankshaft having a respective end connected to an externally accessible bolt 12. The sensor assembly comprises a housing 22 including a recess 23 configured to affixingly engage the externally accessible bolt. The sensor assembly further comprises at least one motion-sensing device (e.g., 30) configured to provide a respective output signal indicative of angular motion information of the crankshaft. A signal transmitter (e.g., 28) coupled to the motion-sensing device configured to wirelessly transmit the output signal from the motion-sensing device.
Abstract:
A sensor (10) bracket configured to provide a vertical displacement in response to a horizontal displacement. The bracket (10) has a general U-shape including an upper bracket section (30), a lower bracket section (28) and a middle bracket section (32) therebetween. The upper and lower bracket sections (30, 38) are provided with upper and lower sensor apertures (46,48), wherein the upper sensor aperture (46) is provided with serrations (45) which are spaced in close proximity to the sensor body (22), yet allow easy passage of the sensor body (22) therepast. Remote from the middle bracket section (32), the lower bracket section (28) is restrained by a bolt (24) and the upper bracket section (30) has a toothed slot (40), wherein the teeth (42) have a predetermined pitch angle. A washer (34) carried by the bolt (24) is inscribed by the teeth (42) as it is pressed into the slot (40) by the bolt (24), which, in turn, causes the upper bracket section (30) to be horizontally displaced so as to result in its bending. A pair of tabs (50, 52) cause squeezing of the upper bracket section (30) at the upper sensor aperture (46) when the upper bracket section (30) bends to thereby grab the sensor body (22) and vertically displace it as bending continues. Accordingly, by placing the sensor body (22) firstly against a reluctor (18), the horizontal displacement results in vertical displacement of the sensor body (22) equal to a predetermined air gap with respect to the reluctor (18).
Abstract:
A process for forming magnetic targets for position and speed sensors, and magnetic targets formed according to the process. The targets are formed on a conductor-clad substrate by first applying a layer of photoresist material and then patterning and etching the photoresist to form trenches defining the shape and dimensions of the targets. Magnetic material is formed in the trenches and magnetized to form the targets.
Abstract:
A process for forming magnetic target tracks for position and speed sensors. The tracks are formed from a paste comprising a magnetic powder material and a hardenable carrier. The tracks can be formed within trenches in a substrate or on the substrate surface.
Abstract:
Reconfigurable sensor 10 and method for selectively reconfiguring a sensor are provided. The reconfiguration of the sensor may be performed according to applicable requirements for sensing the position of an object (e.g., 14). The method allows providing an array of sensing elements (e.g., 12 1 - 12 8 ). The method further allows selecting at least one of the sensing elements of the array to supply a sensing element output signal (e.g., Vout). One or more operational parameters of the one sensing element may be adjusted to meet the applicable sensing requirements.
Abstract:
A process for forming magnetic targets for position and speed sensors, and magnetic targets formed according to the process. The targets are formed on a conductor-clad substrate by first applying a layer of photoresist material and then patterning and etching the photoresist to form trenches defining the shape and dimensions of the targets. Magnetic material is formed in the trenches and magnetized to form the targets.
Abstract:
A rotary position sensor (20, 20 ) featuring a magnetized rotor (10, 10 ) which produces a magnetic flux density that varies sinusoidally with respect to the angular position of the rotor, which may be either a selectively magnetized ring (10 ) or disk (10). The magnetic flux density produced by the rotor is measured by a sensor (30, 30a) that responds in a linear fashion to the magnitude of the radial component of the magnetic flux density. Typical embodiments would use magnetic flux density sensors, as for example either linear Hall sensors or magnetoresistive type sensors. The measured magnetic flux densities are then used as in a traditional resolver to compute position or used to directly generate control signals to operate, for example, a motor.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, a sensor assembly has a magnetostrictive (MS) element (20, 52, 76, 96, 108, 126) and a sensor housing (18, 50, 70, 98, 106) defining at least one active wall (28, 68, 80, 103, 116). A sensor channel is disposed on a first side of the active wall, with the MS element being disposed in the sensor channel and closely received therein. A fluid is on a second side of the active wall, and the active wall is the wall through which stress from pressure of the fluid causes stress on the MS element. The sensor channel defines an axis parallel to the active wall, and the MS element is positioned adj acent the active wall by sliding the MS element into an end of the sensor channel in a direction parallel to the active wall.