Patent ID: 7230419
Filing Date: 2007-06-12
Classification: G01D

Abstract:
1. A rotary position sensor comprising: a housing assembly adapted for fixation to a relatively fixed portion of a host system; a galvanomagnetic sensing element carried with said housing assembly; a rotor assembly disposed for rotation about an axis fixed with respect to said housing assembly; a magnet carried with said rotor assembly juxtaposed in substantially axial alignment with said galvanomagnetic sensing element for magnetic interaction therewith; and linkage means adapted for interconnecting said rotor assembly with a relatively displaceable portion of said host system, said galvanomagnetic sensing element operative to produce an output signal indicative of the relative angular position of said housing assembly and rotor assembly, wherein said magnet is a permanent magnet, and wherein said rotor assembly comprises: a rotor element carried by said housing assembly for rotation about said axis, said rotor element defining an inner end proximately facing said galvanomagnetic sensing element and an outer end; a crank arm affixed to the outer end of said rotor element by fastener means formed, at least in part, of ferrous material, said crank arm adapted for pivotal connection with said linkage means, and a pocket formed in the inner end of said rotor element receiving said permanent magnet in a slip-fit relationship, whereby said permanent magnet is self-positioned by magnetic attraction to said fastener means.