Industrial Consultancy & Sponsored Research (IC&SR) , IIT Madras
Non-contact Angle Sensor Based on EDDY Current Technique
Categories for this Invention
Category – Sensor Technology
Applications-Automotive Steering Angle Sensors, Robotic Arm Positioning Systems
Industry- Automotive Manufacturing, Industrial Automation, Robotics
Market – Global automotive steering system market was valued at USD 36.33 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.4%.
Image Gallery
Problem Statement
- Existing angle sensors in automotive and robotic industries face limitations such as wear and tear, sensitivity to harsh environments, and the need for mechanical/electrical contact.
- There is a demand for a reliable and low-cost angle sensor with non-contact measurement capabilities suitable for dusty and harsh environments.
- Current technologies, including capacitive, magnetic, and optical sensors, have drawbacks, highlighting the need for an innovative solution like an eddy current-based angle sensor with a wide detecting range of 0 to 360 degrees.
Technology
- An eddy current-based non-contact sensor is designed with a stationary cylindrical coil assembly and a rotary component, enabling detection of angular displacement without physical contact.
- The rotary component features a helical groove on its surface, causing a change in the effective inductance of the coils as it rotates, which is measured to determine the angular displacement.
- A signal conditioning circuit processes this change to generate an output signal proportional to the displacement, incorporating an algorithm to identify the quadrant in which the groove overlaps.
Key Features / Value Proposition
Non-Contact Angular Displacement Sensing:
- Offers precise measurement without physical contact, minimizing wear and tear issues common in conventional sensors.
Enhanced Durability:
- Utilizes eddy current technology, ensuring reliable performance even in dusty, moist, or greasy conditions prevalent in automotive and robotic applications.
High Sensitivity and Resolution:
- The method offers high sensitivity (0.0125 V/degree or lower) and resolution (0.08⁰ or lower) with repeatability error of 0.02% or lower.
Compact and Versatile Design:
- Features a cylindrical coil assembly with overlapping planar coils and a rotary component, offering a compact solution adaptable to space-constrained environments.
Quadrant Identification Algorithm:
- Incorporates an algorithm to precisely identify the quadrant of angular displacement, enhancing measurement accuracy and reliability.
Questions about this Technology?
Contact For Licensing
sm-marketing@imail.iitm.ac.in
ipoffice2@iitm.ac.in
Research Lab
Prof. Boby George
Department of Electrical Engineering
Intellectual Property
- IITM IDF Ref. 1833
- IN 494698 – Patent Granted
Technology Readiness Level
TRL – 4
Technology validated in lab scale.