Patent ID: 6541959
Filing Date: 2003-04-01
Classification: G01D,G01P

Abstract:
A variable reluctance sensing system for measuring the angular displacement of a rotatable shaft, the sensing system comprising:(a) a rotor being constructed and arranged to be securably mounted to the shaft such that the rotor is capable of rotating in concert with the shaft; the rotor defining a plurality of teeth extending radially inwardly towards a center of the shaft; and (b) a sensor assembly disposed in a fixed position relative to the rotor, the sensor assembly comprising: (i) a sensor housing; and (ii) a magnet arrangement disposed within the sensor housing; the magnet arrangement defining a magnetic flux path between the sensor assembly and the rotor, the magnet arrangement including: (1) a magnet having a first pole and a second pole; (2) a first pole member in electromagnetic communication with the first pole of the magnet; (3) a second pole member spaced from the magnet and in electromagnetic communication with the second pole of the magnet; and (iii) an electrical conductor configured to detect variations in the magnetic flux path.