阅读说明：本技术 磁性长程位置传感器 (Magnetic long-range position sensor ) 是由 杰伊·贾姆希德·卡塞 佩里·维尔曼 格雷格·杜普 于 2021-04-06 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种磁性长程位置传感器,包括：第一磁性棒,其包括第一端和第二端；和第二磁性棒,其包括第三端和第四端,所述第一端和所述第三端处于第一距离,所述第二端和所述第四端处于大于所述第一距离的第二距离。所述磁性位置传感器进一步包括被配置成沿第一轴线相对于所述第一磁性棒和所述第二磁性棒行进的磁体,和可通信地耦合至所述磁体的一个或多个磁性传感器。(The invention relates to a magnetic long-range position sensor, comprising: a first magnetic bar comprising a first end and a second end; and a second magnetic rod comprising a third end and a fourth end, the first end and the third end being at a first distance, the second end and the fourth end being at a second distance greater than the first distance. The magnetic position sensor further includes a magnet configured to travel along a first axis relative to the first and second magnetic bars, and one or more magnetic sensors communicatively coupled to the magnet.)

1. A magnetic position sensor, comprising:

a first magnetic bar comprising a first end and a second end;

a second magnetic bar comprising a third end and a fourth end, the first end and the third end being at a first distance, the second end and the fourth end being at a second distance, the second distance being greater than the first distance;

a magnet configured to travel along a central axis relative to the first and second magnetic bars; and

one or more magnetic sensors communicatively coupled to the magnet.

2. The magnetic position sensor of claim 1, further comprising:

a gap between the first and second magnetic bars, the gap being the first distance between the first and third ends and the gap extending to the second distance between the second and fourth ends, wherein the gap increases linearly from the first distance to the second distance.

3. The magnetic position sensor of claim 2, wherein the central axis intersects a center of the gap between the first end and the third end, and wherein the central axis intersects a center of the gap between the second end and the fourth end.

4. The magnetic position sensor of claim 1, wherein the first and second magnetic bars are fixed, and wherein the magnet moves along the central axis.

5. The magnetic position sensor of claim 1, wherein the magnet is stationary, and wherein the first and second magnetic bars move along the central axis between the magnet and the one or more magnetic sensors.

6. The magnetic position sensor of claim 1, wherein the one or more magnetic sensors comprise: a first magnetic sensor secured between the first end and the third end; and a second magnetic sensor positioned opposite the magnet.

7. The magnetic position sensor of claim 1, wherein the first and second magnetic bars are linear.

8. The magnetic position sensor of claim 1, wherein the first and second magnetic bars are curved.

9. The magnetic position sensor of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic bar and the second magnetic bar are separated by a fixed angle of θ degrees.

10. The magnetic position sensor of claim 1, wherein the one or more magnetic sensors sense magnetic flux to determine the position of the magnet.

11. A position detection system, comprising:

a magnetic position sensor comprising a rail, a magnet, and one or more magnetic sensors configured to determine a position of the magnet along the rail based on a magnetic flux;

one or more temperature sensors connected to the magnetic position sensor and the track; and

an electronic processor connected to the magnetic position sensor and the one or more temperature sensors, the electronic processor configured to:

receiving one or more position signals from the magnetic position sensor;

receiving one or more temperature signals from the one or more temperature sensors; and

determining a position of the magnet based on the one or more position signals and the one or more temperature signals.

12. The position detection system of claim 11, wherein the track is comprised of a first conductive bar and a second conductive bar.

13. The position detection system of claim 12, wherein the first conductive bar extends substantially along a first axis, and wherein the second conductive bar extends substantially along a second axis different from the first axis.

14. The position detection system of claim 13, wherein the second axis is offset from the first axis by a fixed angle of θ degrees.

15. The position sensing system of claim 12, wherein the first and second conductive rods are about 550mm long.

16. The position detection system of claim 11, wherein the one or more magnetic sensors comprise a first magnetic sensor located below the track, and wherein the one or more magnetic sensors comprise a second magnetic sensor connected to the track.

17. The position detection system of claim 11, wherein the position signal from the magnetic position sensor is based on a magnetic flux.

18. The position detection system of claim 11, wherein the track is substantially linear.

19. The position detection system of claim 11, wherein the track is substantially arcuate.

20. The position detection system of claim 11 wherein said rail is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of carbon steel, pure iron, and Mu metal.

Background

Embodiments relate to magnetic position sensors.

Disclosure of Invention

As the name implies, magnetic position sensors are used to measure the position of an object or device assembly. For example, it is often useful to know the position of vehicle seats, components in braking systems, components in clutches, floats in fluid level systems, and other objects or components. The position information may be used, inter alia, to adjust the operation of the system or to provide an indication of the status of the system (e.g. level "empty" or level "full" based on information provided by the float and processed in a computer or similar device).

It is often useful to measure the movement of the target in a linear or rotational/angular position system. Embodiments provided herein help address, among other things, problems associated with the cost and technical complexity of linear and angular magnetic position sensors for measuring relatively long travel ranges of a target. In addition, embodiments provide flexibility from small to large footprints, particularly in terms of sensor package design. Embodiments also provide, among other things, improved accuracy, improved linearity, and reduced mechanical and magnetic errors (hysteresis).

One embodiment provides a magnetic position sensor comprising: a first magnetic bar comprising a first end and a second end; and a second magnetic rod including a third end and a fourth end. The first end and the third end are a first distance from each other. The second and fourth ends are a second distance from each other, and the second distance is greater than the first distance. The magnetic position sensor also includes a magnet configured to travel along the central axis relative to the first and second magnetic bars. One or more magnetic sensors are communicatively coupled to the magnet.

In some embodiments, the magnetic position sensor includes a gap between the first magnetic bar and the second magnetic bar. The gap has a first width (equal to the first distance) between the first end and the third end. The gap widens to a second width (equal to the second distance) between the second end and the fourth end. In some examples, the gap increases linearly from the first distance to the second distance. In some embodiments, the central axis intersects a center of the gap between the first end and the third end. The central axis also intersects a center of the gap between the second end and the fourth end.

In some embodiments, the first magnetic bar and the second magnetic bar are stationary and the magnet moves along the central axis. In some embodiments, the magnet is stationary and the first and second magnetic bars move along the central axis between the magnet and the one or more magnetic sensors. In some embodiments, the one or more magnetic sensors comprise: a first magnetic sensor fixed between the first end and the third end; and a second magnetic sensor positioned opposite the magnet.

In some embodiments, the first magnetic bar and the second magnetic bar are linear. In some embodiments, the first magnetic bar and the second magnetic bar are curved. In some embodiments, the first magnetic bar and the second magnetic bar are separated by a fixed angle of θ degrees (e.g., about 1 degree). In some embodiments, the one or more magnetic sensors sense magnetic flux to determine the position of the magnet.

Another embodiment provides a position detection system that includes a magnetic position sensor that includes a track, a magnet, and one or more magnetic sensors. The magnetic sensor is configured to determine a position of the magnet along the track based on the magnetic flux. The system further comprises: one or more temperature sensors connected to the magnetic position sensor and the first and second magnetic bars; and an electronic processor connected to the magnetic position sensor and the temperature sensor. The electronic processor is configured to: receiving one or more position signals from a magnetic position sensor; receiving one or more temperature signals from a temperature sensor; and determining a position of the magnet based on the one or more position signals and the one or more temperature signals.

In some embodiments, the track is comprised of a first conductive bar and a second conductive bar. In some embodiments, the first conductive rod extends substantially along a first axis and the second conductive rod extends substantially along a second axis different from the first axis. In some embodiments, the second axis is offset from the first axis by a fixed angle of θ degrees (e.g., about 1 degree). In some embodiments, the first and second conductive rods each have about L_FROr L_SRIs (e.g., about 550mm long). In some embodiments, the first and second conductive rods may have a relative permeability from a low value to a high value.

In some embodiments, the one or more magnetic sensors comprise: a first magnetic sensor located below the track; and a second magnetic sensor connected to the rail. In some embodiments, the position signal from the magnetic position sensor is based on a magnetic flux. In some embodiments, the track is substantially linear. In some embodiments, the track is substantially arcuate. In some embodiments, the rail is comprised of at least one material selected from the group consisting of carbon steel 1010, pure iron, and Mu metal, wherein the group is a group of metallic materials having low to high relative magnetic permeability.

Other aspects and embodiments will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

Drawings

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

Fig. 1A-1D are perspective views of a linear magnetic position sensor according to some embodiments.

Fig. 2 is a top view of the linear magnetic position sensor of fig. 1A-1D illustrating magnetic flux experienced by a rail, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 3A-3D are top views of an angular magnetic position sensor showing a magnet in various positions, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the angular magnetic position sensor of fig. 3A-3D showing magnetic flux experienced by a rail, in accordance with some embodiments.

Fig. 5A-5C are graphs comparing magnetic flux experienced by the magnetic sensors of fig. 1 and 3 according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a system including a magnetic position sensor according to some embodiments.

Fig. 7 is a block diagram of a controller according to some embodiments.

Fig. 8 is a method performed by the controller of fig. 7 according to some embodiments.

Detailed Description

Before any embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. Other embodiments are possible, and the described and/or illustrated embodiments can be practiced or carried out in various ways.

Fig. 1A-1D illustrate one embodiment of a magnetic position sensor 10, the magnetic position sensor 10 including a magnet 12, the magnet 12 being positioned above a first magnetic bar 14a and a second magnetic bar 14b separated by a gap 16. The first magnetic bar 14a and the second magnetic bar 14b may form a single track 14. In this example, the first magnetic bar 14a and the second magnetic bar 14b are substantially linear. In some embodiments, first magnetic bar 14a and second magnetic bar 14b each have a length of 550mm, a width of 11mm, and a height of 2 mm. In some embodiments, the first and second magnetic bars 14a and 14b are composed of at least one material selected from the group consisting of a conductive material, a magnetoresistive material, a ferromagnetic material, and a ferrous material.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the first magnetic rod 14a includes a length L of the first magnetic rod 14a_FRA first end 18a and a second end 20a, which are spaced apart. The first axis 22a is centered with respect to the center C of the first end 18a and the second end 20a_FAnd (4) intersecting. The second magnetic rod 14b includes a length L of the second magnetic rod 14b_SRA third terminal 18b and a fourth terminal 20b, which are separate. Second axis 22b and center C of third end 18b and fourth end 20b_SAnd (4) intersecting. The gap 16 is defined by a first distance or width W1 between the first end 18a and the third end 18b and a second distance or width W2 between the second end 20a and the fourth end 20 b. In some embodiments, the first distance W1 may be approximately 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, the second distance W2 may be approximately 20.6 mm. Due to the gap 16, the first and second magnetic bars 14a and 14b may form a substantially "V" shape because the width of the gap 16 linearly increases from the first distance W1 to the second distance W2. In some embodimentsFirst magnetic rod 14a and second magnetic rod 14B are separated by an angle denoted by θ in fig. 1B. In some embodiments, the angle θ is about 1 degree.

In some embodiments, the magnet 12 is positioned above the first and second magnetic bars 14a, 14b such that the magnet 12 moves along the track 14. In some embodiments, magnet 12 has a length of 21.5mm, a width of 11.0mm, and a height of 2.0 mm. The magnets 12 may be separated from the track 14 by a vertical gap G_v. Vertical gap G_vMay be, for example, about 0.5mm to 1.0 mm. In moving, the magnet 12 may move along the center of the track 14, as shown by the central axis 24. The central axis 24 intersects the center of the first distance created by the first end 18a and the third end 18b and intersects the center of the second distance created by the second end 20a and the fourth end 20 b. When the magnet 12 moves along the rail 14, the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 12 may be affected by the first and second magnetic bars 14a and 14 b. In some embodiments, the magnet 12 moves relative to the track 14, and the track 14 remains stationary. In other embodiments, the magnet 12 is stationary and the track 14 moves relative to the magnet 12.

In some embodiments, the magnetic position sensor 10 includes a first magnetic sensor 30 and a second magnetic sensor 32 communicatively coupled to the magnet 12. The first and second magnetic sensors 30, 32 may be, for example, hall sensors configured to detect magnetic flux. The first magnetic sensor 30 may, for example, be located between the first end 18a and the third end 18 b. In some embodiments, the first magnetic sensor 30 is connected to the magnetic position sensor 10 or a body of a device or a device floor (not shown) of the device in which the magnetic position sensor 10 is located. In some embodiments, the second magnetic sensor 32 may be located, for example, below the track 14 and on the central axis 24. In some embodiments, the second magnetic sensor 32 may be coupled to the magnet 12 such that the second magnetic sensor 32 travels under the magnet 12 and even substantially with the magnet 12.

In some embodiments, the first magnetic sensor 30 and the track 14 are stationary as the magnet 12 moves along the track 14. For example, the first magnetic sensor 30 may be coupled to the track 14. In some embodiments, the second magnetic sensor 32 and the magnet 12 are stationary as the track 14 moves with the coupled first magnetic sensor 30 between the second magnetic sensor 32 and the magnet 12. In some embodiments, only the first magnetic sensor 30 is utilized by the magnetic position sensor 10 or is present in the magnetic position sensor 10. In other embodiments, only the second magnetic sensor 32 is utilized by the magnetic position sensor 10 or is present in the magnetic position sensor 10. In some embodiments, both the first magnetic sensor 30 and the second magnetic sensor 32 are utilized by the magnetic position sensor 10 or are present in the magnetic position sensor 10. For example, the first magnetic sensor 30 may be stationary as the second magnetic sensor 32 and the magnet 12 move along the track 14.

Fig. 2 shows the magnetic flux experienced by the rail 14 as the magnet 12 moves relative to the rail 14. For example, in image 200, magnet 12 is at position P1, approximately at first end 18a and third end 18 b. The magnetic field is strongest at the first end 18a and the third end 18 b. Thus, in the position P1, the first and second magnetic sensors 30 and 32 experience the strongest magnetic flux (e.g., a high level of magnetic flux or a maximum level of magnetic flux) relative to the positions P2, P3, and P4.

In image 202, magnet 12 is located at position P2 at a distance of approximately 1/3 along or across track 14. In position P2, the magnetic field has decreased at the first end 18a and the third end 18 b. Thus, the first magnetic sensor 30 experiences less magnetic flux (e.g., a moderate level of magnetic flux). In some embodiments, the second magnetic sensor 32 travels with the magnet 12. Although the second magnetic sensor 32 continues to experience a large amount of magnetic flux, the increase in the size of the gap 16 affects the direction of the magnetic field. Thus, the second magnetic sensor 32 experiences a larger change in magnetic flux with respect to the position P1.

In image 204, magnet 12 is located at position P3 at a distance of approximately 2/3 along or through rail 14. In position P3, the magnetic field has been further reduced at the first end 18a and the third end 18 b. Thus, the first magnetic sensor 30 experiences even less magnetic flux (e.g., a low level of magnetic flux). In some embodiments, the second magnetic sensor 32, which continues to travel with the magnet 12, experiences a greater change in magnetic flux (relative to position P2) due to the increased size of the gap 16.

In image 206, magnet 12 is located at second end 20a and fourth end 20b completely along or through track 14 at position P4. In position P4, the first magnetic sensor 30 experiences the lowest level magnetic flux relative to positions P1, P2, P3, and P4. In some embodiments, the second magnetic sensor 32, now located at the second end 20a and the fourth end 20b, experiences the greatest change in magnetic flux (relative to positions P1, P2, and P3) due to the increased size of the gap 16.

Fig. 3A-3D illustrate another embodiment of the magnetic position sensor 10, wherein the magnetic position sensor 10 includes a first curved magnetic bar 62a and a second curved magnetic bar 62b that form a curved track 62. The curved track 62 may be arcuate, oval, crescent, circular, or another curved shape. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 3A, first curved magnetic bar 62a includes a first end 70a and a second end 72a similar to first magnetic bar 14 a. The first end 70a and the second end 72a are separated by a distance L_FAThe distance L_FADefined by the length of the first curved magnetic bar 62 a. In some embodiments, second curved magnetic bar 62b includes a third end 70b and a fourth end 72b similar to second magnetic bar 14 b. Third end 70b and fourth end 72b are separated by a distance L_SAThe distance L_SADefined by the length of the second curved magnetic bar 62 b.

The bending gap 68 is located between the first and second bent magnetic bars 62a and 62 b. Similar to the gap 16, the curved gap 68 increases from a third distance or width W3 between the first end 70a of the first curved magnetic bar 62a and the third end 70b of the second curved magnetic bar 62b to a fourth distance or width W4 between the second end 72a of the first curved magnetic bar 62a and the fourth end 72b of the second curved magnetic bar 62 b. In some embodiments, the first and second curved magnetic bars 62a and 62b are separated by an angle as shown at ω in fig. 3A.

In addition, as shown in fig. 3B-3D, the magnetic position sensor 10 includes a magnet 60 that is substantially similar to the magnet 12. The third and fourth magnetic sensors 64, 66 function similarly to the first and second magnetic sensors 30, 32, respectively. The magnet 60 may be configured to travel along a central axis 74 similar to the central axis 24.

In some embodiments, the third magnetic sensor 64 and the curved track 62 are substantially stationary as the magnet 60 moves through the curved track 62. For example, the third magnetic sensor 64 may be coupled to the curved track 62. In some embodiments, the magnet 60 and the coupled fourth magnetic sensor 66 are substantially stationary as the curved track 62 moves between the magnet 60 and the fourth magnetic sensor 66. In some embodiments, only the third magnetic sensor 64 is utilized by the magnetic position sensor 10, or is present within the magnetic position sensor 10. In some embodiments, only the fourth magnetic sensor 66 is utilized by the magnetic position sensor 10, or is present within the magnetic position sensor 10. In some embodiments, both the third and fourth magnetic position sensors 64, 66 are utilized by the magnetic position sensor 10, or are present within the magnetic position sensor 10. For example, the third magnetic position sensor 64 may be stationary as the fourth magnetic position sensor 66 and the magnet 60 move along the track 62.

Fig. 4 illustrates the magnetic flux experienced by the curved track 62 as the magnet 60 moves relative to the curved track 62. For example, in the image 400, the magnet 60 is located approximately at position P11, or at the first end 70a and the third end 70b of the first curved magnetic bar 62a and the second curved magnetic bar 62b, respectively (e.g., the beginning of the curved track 62). At position P11, the magnetic field is strongest at the beginning of the curved track 62. Thus, in this position, the third and fourth magnetic sensors 64 and 66 experience the greatest magnetic flux relative to the positions P12 and P13.

In the image 402, the magnet 60 is located at position P12, or approximately 1/2 through the curved track 62. In position P12, the magnetic field has decreased at the beginning of the curved track 62. Thus, the third magnetic sensor 64 experiences less magnetic flux (e.g., a medium level of magnetic flux). In some embodiments, the fourth magnetic sensor 66 travels with the magnet 60. Although the fourth magnetic sensor 66 continues to experience a large amount of magnetic flux, the increased size of the curved gap 68 affects the direction of the magnetic field. Thus, the fourth magnetic sensor 66 experiences a greater change in magnetic flux relative to the position P11.

In the image 404, the magnet 60 is at a position P13 approximately at the second end 72a of the first curved magnetic bar 62a and the fourth end 72b of the second curved magnetic bar 62b (e.g., the terminus of the curved track 62), passing completely through or along the curved track 62. Thus, the third magnetic sensor 64 experiences even less magnetic flux (e.g., a low level of magnetic flux) relative to the position P12. In some embodiments, the fourth magnetic sensor 66, now also located at the end of the curved track 62, experiences the maximum magnetic flux change relative to positions P11, P12, and P13 due to the increased size of the curved gap 68.

In some embodiments, the material of the tracks 14 and 62 affects the magnetic field of the magnets 12 and 60, and thus, the magnetic flux experienced by the magnetic sensors 30, 32, 64, and 66. For example, Mu metal has a high magnetic permeability compared to AISI steel 1010, which is more commonly referred to as carbon steel. The different permeability allows for different redirection of the magnetic flux density of the magnets 12, 60. For example, a high permeability may attract more magnetic flux density, thereby causing more magnetic flux to concentrate in the path formed by the tracks 14, 62. In contrast, a lower permeability attracts less magnetic field and acts in opposition, similar to the magnet itself. Fig. 5A to 5B show graphs showing the magnetic flux experienced by the first magnetic sensor 30. In fig. 5A, the rail 14 is composed of Mu metal. In fig. 5B, rail 14 is comprised of AISI steel 1010. Fig. 5C shows a graph showing the magnetic flux experienced by the third magnetic sensor 64 when the rail 62 is comprised of at least one material selected from the group consisting of AISI steel 1010, pure iron, and Mu metal. Thus, when implementing the magnetic position sensor 10, the material of the rails 14, 62 may be considered.

It should be understood that the angle θ may be selected or chosen for a particular application of the sensor. In some embodiments, the angle θ between first magnetic bar 14a and second magnetic bar 14b affects the magnetic field of magnet 12. Thus, the angle θ affects the magnetic flux experienced by the magnetic sensors 30, 32. Similarly, in some embodiments, the angle ω between the first and second curved magnetic bars 62a and 62b affects the magnetic field of the magnet 60. Thus, the angle ω affects the magnetic flux experienced by the magnetic sensors 64, 66. If the selected θ or ω is too small (e.g., 0.5 degrees), the respective magnetic bars in the tracks 14, 62 may experience a magnetic field exchange, thereby reducing the magnetic flux density experienced by the respective magnetic sensors 30, 32, 64, 66. Thus, the angle θ or ω may be selected such that the magnet 12, 60 produces a desired magnetic flux density.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a system 600 incorporating a magnetic position sensor 10 according to some embodiments. In the example shown, the system 600 includes: a temperature sensor 602; and an electronic controller 604 configured to receive signals from the magnetic position sensor 10 and the temperature sensor 602. The magnetic position sensor 10 is configured to send one or more magnetic position signals indicative of the position (e.g., location) of the magnet 12, 60 to the electronic controller 604. The temperature sensor 602 is configured to send one or more temperature signals to the electronic controller 504 based on at least one temperature selected from the group consisting of the ambient temperature and the temperature of the track 14, 62. In some embodiments, the electronic controller 604 may output an output signal to an external device based on the one or more temperature signals and the one or more magnetic position signals received from the magnetic position sensor 10. In some embodiments, the electronic controller 604 may output system software and hardware diagnostic trouble codes to external devices. The diagnostic trouble code may be transmitted separately from or together with the magnetic position signal from the magnetic position sensor 10 and the temperature signal from the temperature sensor 602. In some embodiments, the magnetic position sensor 10 transmits one or more magnetic position signals directly to an external device, with or without an embedded diagnostic trouble code.

Fig. 7 shows a block diagram of an electronic controller 604 (e.g., a computer, microcontroller, microprocessor, electronic processor, or similar device or group of devices). In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic controller 604 includes an electronic processor 700, a memory 708, an input device 710, and an output device 712. The electronic processor 700, memory 708, input device 710, and output device 712, as well as the various modules or circuits connected to the electronic controller 604, are connected by one or more control and/or data buses. The memory 708 includes a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area and the data storage area may include a combination of different types of memory 708, such as machine-readable non-transitory memory, read only memory ("ROM"), random access memory ("RAM") (e.g., dynamic RAM [ "DRAM" ], synchronous DRAM [ "SDRAM" ], etc.), electrically erasable programmable read only memory ("EEPROM"), flash memory, a hard disk, an SD card, or other suitable magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic memory device. Electronic processor 700 is connected to memory 708 and executes software instructions that can be stored in RAM of memory 708 (e.g., during execution), ROM of memory 708 (e.g., on a substantially permanent basis), or other non-transitory computer-readable medium. Software included for the processes and methods of the system 600 may be stored in the memory 708 of the electronic controller 604. The software may include firmware, one or more applications, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. The electronic controller 604 is configured to retrieve from the memory 708 and execute instructions relating to, among other things, the control processes and methods described herein. In other constructions, the electronic controller 604 includes additional, fewer, or different components.

The electrical and (electro) magnetic properties (e.g., magnetic permeability) of the components of the magnetic position sensor 10 (e.g., the rails 14 and 62) may be temperature dependent. Thus, the magnetic flux experienced by the magnetic sensors 30, 32, 64, and 66 may also be temperature dependent. In some embodiments, the electronic controller 604 is configured to determine the position of the magnet 12, 60 based on the one or more magnetic position signals and the one or more temperature signals.

For example, fig. 8 shows a block diagram of a method 800 performed by the electronic controller 604 for determining the position of a magnet. At block 802, the electronic controller 604 receives one or more magnetic position signals from the magnetic position sensor 10. The one or more magnetic position signals may be, for example, magnetic flux experienced by the first magnetic sensor 30, the second magnetic sensor 32, or a combination of the first magnetic sensor 30 and the second magnetic sensor 32. In some embodiments, the one or more magnetic position signals may represent a magnetic flux experienced by the third magnetic sensor 64, the fourth magnetic sensor 66, or a combination of the third magnetic sensor 64 and the fourth magnetic sensor 66.

At block 804, the electronic controller 604 receives one or more temperature signals from the temperature sensor 602. The temperature signal may represent an ambient temperature, a temperature of a component of the magnetic position sensor 10 (such as the rails 14, 62), or a combination of the ambient temperature and a temperature of a component of the magnetic position sensor 10. At block 806, the electronic controller 604 determines the position of the magnet 12, 60 based on the one or more magnetic position signals and the one or more temperature signals. In some embodiments, the electronic controller 604 communicates the position of the magnet 12, 60 to an external device. Prior to transmission, the position of the magnet 12, 60 may be adjusted using a filter (e.g., a low pass filter, a high pass filter, etc.), and may be converted to a digital format, or the like. In some embodiments, linearization of the output signal may be performed by the magnetic sensor 10, the electronic controller 604, or some combination of the magnetic sensor 10 and the electronic controller 604 prior to transmission to the external device.

Water level sensor example

Water level detection is one of many applications of the magnetic position sensor 10. In one example, the water tank includes four potential levels (e.g., level 1, level 2, level 3, and level 4). In some embodiments, level 1 is a low level (1/4), level 2 is a medium level (1/2), level 3 is a high level (3/4), and level 4 is full tank (1). The water tank may include, for example, a reservoir configured to hold water and one or more openings configured to allow water to enter and exit the reservoir. The magnetic position sensor 10 may, for example, be attached to one side of the water reservoir such that the first end 18a and the third end 18b are located at the bottom of the water reservoir and such that the second end 20a and the fourth end 20b are located at the top of the water reservoir. Additionally, the magnet 12 is connected to or otherwise incorporated into the buoyant float such that the physical position of the magnet 12 corresponds to the physical water level of the top surface of the water contained within the water reservoir.

Referring to FIG. 2, the magnetic flux experienced by the magnetic position sensor 10 when the water reservoir is at a level of level 1 may be, for example, the magnetic flux shown by image 200. The magnetic flux experienced by the magnetic position sensor 10 when the water reservoir is at a level of level 2 may be, for example, the magnetic flux shown by image 202. The magnetic flux experienced by the magnetic position sensor 10 when the water reservoir is at a level of level 3 may be, for example, the magnetic flux shown by image 204. The magnetic flux experienced by the magnetic position sensor 10 when the water reservoir is at a level of water level 4 may be, for example, the magnetic flux shown by image 206.

The electronic controller 604 receives one or more magnetic position signals from the magnetic position sensor 10. In some embodiments, the electronic controller 604 also receives one or more temperature signals from the temperature sensor 602 indicative of the temperature of the water. Based on the one or more magnetic position signals and the one or more temperature signals, the electronic controller 604 determines a level of water stored in a reservoir of the water tank.

Thus, embodiments provide, among other things, a magnetic position sensor. Various features and advantages are set forth in the following claims.