Abstract: The novel inclined plate 360 degree absolute angle sensor is designed to measure the absolute angle created by a base and a rotating surface. The assembly contains a metal inclined plate positioned above four coils so that coils one and two are at the minimum and maximum distance from the plate respectively, while at the same time, coils three and four are equidistant from the inclined plate. Rotation of the plate around a centerline, changes the distance that all four coils with respect to the inclined plate which, in turn, creates a change of the inductance of the coils. This change in inductance may be measured with alternating current bridge technologies in order to provide a measure of absolute angular position of a rotating surface with respect to the base.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 13, 1997
Date of Patent:
March 30, 1999
Assignee:
MicroStrain Co., Inc.
Inventors:
Steven W. Arms, Christopher P. Townsend, Steven W. Mundell