Patent ID: 7021127
Filing Date: 2006-04-04
Classification: G01D

Abstract:
1. A self-powered, wireless sensor assembly for sensing crankshaft position of an engine comprising a rotatable flywheel having a ring gear, the sensor assembly comprising: an electromagnetic sensor responsive to structural features on said ring gear to generate an output signal when the ring gear rotates; a power supply coupled to generate a direct current in response to the output signal from the electromagnetic sensor; and a transceiver energized by said power supply and coupled to one of the following sensors: a magnetostatic sensor energized by said power supply and responsive to the structural features on said ring gear to generate an output signal when the ring gear rotates, and said electromagnetic sensor, said transceiver configured to wirelessly transmit the output signal from the one sensor coupled thereto, wherein the output signal from the one sensor coupled to the transceiver comprises information indicative of the crankshaft position of said engine, wherein said sensor assembly is configured to alternatively operate in a continuously-running mode in response to rotation of said ring gear, and in an on-demand mode in response to an externally-derived request signal wirelessly received by the transceiver.