Two axis position sensor using sloped magnets to generate a variable magnetic field and hall effect sensors to detect the variable magnetic field

Abstract

A dual-axes position sensor,having an outer housing,, an actuator,, a linear Hall effect sensor assembly,for detecting position changes along a first (y) axis, and a linear Hall effect sensor assembly,for detecting position changes along a second (x) axis is disclosed. The housing,is preferably made out of a non-magnetic material such as plastic. Actuator,is rod shaped and coupled to a movable device or shaft (not shown) that is to have its position sensed. The linear Hall effect sensor assembly,is unattachably positioned to set on lip,of the housing,, and includes a magnetically conducting pole piece,, a magnet assembly,comprising an upper magnet,and a lower magnet,that are separated by an air gap,. Magnet assembly,and pole piece,are positioned around a Hall sensor device support,in a“U” shaped configuration or form. Hall sensor device support,is fixedly attached to housing,via attachment area,. Linear Hall effect sensor assembly,also includes a positionally fixed Hall effect sensor element,attached to Hall sensor device support,on surface,. Linear Hall effect sensor assembly,is positioned approximately 90 degrees from and to linear Hall effect sensor assembly