Balluff Gmbh

J&uuml;rgen Petrik

Ernst Ehling

Arwed Brunsch

Martin Kurz

A modular waveguide assembly for use in a position sensor promotes efficient manufacturing, and can be tested and handled separately from the electronics module of the sensor. The waveguide assembly includes a channel having an opening extending along its length, a waveguide located within the channel, a conductor located within the channel, and a mode converter, such as a coil, located within the channel and positioned to generate an electrical signal from a signal traveling along the waveguide. A damping material can be inserted into the channel opening and around a portion of the waveguide such that the material adheres to the waveguide. Preferably, the damping material is at least initially partially flowable, and is then cured. A support sleeve for locating the waveguide can also be included in the assembly, and includes an elongated tubular member comprising an integral piece of flexible material and a plurality of constrictions spaced along its length for locating the waveguide and protecting it from shock and vibration. The assembly can also include a support element for connecting the coil to the electronics module of the sensor. The element can include terminals electrically connected to the coil ends and a bore for receiving the waveguide and conductor. In addition, the waveguide assembly can be pre-calibrated for use with any electronics module by connecting a gain unit, such as a resistor, to the assembly. The gain unit is selected according to the characteristics of the waveguide, such as its length and/or magnetostrictive sensitivity, and can be easily connected to the electronics module for control of the amplification circuitry in the module.

Modular waveguide assembly and method for making the same

Pre-calibrated waveguide assembly and method

A modular waveguide assembly for use in a position sensor promotes efficient manufacturing, and can be tested and handled separately from the electronics module of the sensor. The waveguide assembly includes a channel having an opening extending along its length, a waveguide located within the channel, a conductor located within the channel, and a mode converter, such as a coil, located within the channel and positioned to generate an electrical signal from a signal traveling along the waveguide. A damping material can be inserted into the channel opening and around a portion of the waveguide such that the material adheres to the waveguide. In one embodiment, the damping material is at least initially partially flowable, and is then cured. A support sleeve for locating the waveguide can also be included in the assembly, and includes an elongated tubular member comprising an integral piece of flexible material and a plurality of constrictions spaced along its length for locating the waveguide and protecting it from shock and vibration. The assembly can also include a support element for connecting the coil to the electronics module of the sensor. The element can include terminals electrically connected to the coil ends and a bore for receiving the waveguide and conductor. In addition, the waveguide assembly can be pre-calibrated for use with any electronics module by connecting a gain unit, such as a resistor, to the assembly. The gain unit is selected according to the characteristics of the waveguide, such as its length and/or magnetostrictive sensitivity, and can be easily connected to the electronics module for control of the amplification circuitry in the module.

Growing community of inventors

Stuttgart, Germany

Jürgen Petrik

Growing community of inventors

Stuttgart, Germany

J&uuml;rgen Petrik

Jürgen Petrik