MECHATRONICS: Magnetic Measurements Systems

Hutchinson Paulstra is developing magnetic encoders used to measure speed, displacement and position. These encoders are made of magnetizable mixtures composed of a polymer mixed with magnetic particle powders.



These products are particularly suitable for linear or rotation movement measures in exposed or confined applications. Their characteristics provide a significant advantage in terms of thermal and chemical behavior (against aggressive fluids), and mechanical behavior (shocks, accelerations, vibrations) as well as excellent precision and reliability quality.

On the road to mechatronic devices

Vehicle design nowadays makes more and more use of “mechatronics”, in other words systems combining mechanics, electronics and data processing.

Increasing electrification of devices is replacing some mechanical connections by electrical connections, which has an impact on the main vehicle functions including vehicle dynamic (braking, steering, etc.), engine (injection, inlet, gas recycling, etc.) transmission (gear selection, clutch control, etc.), comfort and safety (door and window actuators, control device for checking presence in the passenger cockpit, etc.).

The common point of all these new devices is the integration of a dual system assembly made of a magnetic sensor and a magnetic target for measurement or control of electrical actuators.

This trend applies to automotive and heavy trucks and all means of transport, including farm machinery and handling machinery.

                                                           

Hutchinson, world leader for ABS/ESP encoding

Hutchinson products are already used in several mechatronic applications, for example ABS/ESP signal coding. The latest generation of wheel bearings comprise a polymer pulse ring containing magnetic particles that has been magnetized in a multi-pole patern to give an alternation of North-South poles.
These new HD magnetic targets are used to determine the rotation speed of vehicle wheels. The signal is measured by an active sensor and then transmitted to the ABS/ESP control unit. Due to the precision of the signal, the unit optimizes regulation of the braking force on each wheel to prevent locking and spinning of the wheels, and ensures vehicle stability and controllability.




Pack seal for a hub wheel bearing: Dynamic seal + magnetic encoder