Patent ID: 7009384
Filing Date: 2006-03-07
Classification: G01D,G01P

Abstract:
1. A sensor assembly for detecting direction of rotation of an object, comprising: a magnet having opposite poles and defining a center substantially midway between the poles, the center of the magnet being positioned along a central axis of the sensor assembly; a target wheel mechanically connected to the object; and at least two sensing elements placed between the target wheel and the magnet, the magnet and sensing elements being configured so that as the target wheel rotates it causes each sensing element to output respective asymmetric signals relative to the direction of rotation of the object in response to sensing structure on the target wheel, each of said asymmetric signals being differentially combined to generate a combined signal indicative of the direction of rotation of the object, wherein the magnet and the sensing elements are oriented perpendicular to the central axis, and wherein the magnet generates a magnetic field that is oriented at an angle relative to the central axis.