Non-contacting rotary and linear travel sensor

摘要

A non-contacting, magnet-based, rotary and linear travel absolute position sensor each include a stationary galvanomagnetic sensing element disposed in an air gap or slot of a movable magnet/flux concentrator assembly. The assembly has a first flux concentrator comprising ferromagnetic material having opposing magnet ends, and a second flux concentrator also comprising ferromagnetic material having opposing magnet ends but that is spaced apart from the first flux concentrator by a pair of magnets to form the air gap or slot. The magnet ends of each flux concentrator have a respective magnet area configured to engage a corresponding magnet and is configured in size and shape to cover the magnet. Additionally, the flux concentrators are configured in geometry to decrease in cross-sectional area from the inboard side of the magnet ends towards the center region of the concentrators, specifically the center of travel together provide improved linearity and signal to noise ratio of the output position signal.