Displacement Sensing Using Bimodal Resonance in Over-Coupled Inductors

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Sensor Technology
• Physics

Background:

• Inductive sensors are widely used for non-contact measurements.
• Understanding resonance phenomena is crucial for enhancing sensor performance.
• Existing methods for displacement sensing have limitations in accuracy and complexity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the generation of bimodal resonance in over-coupled inductive sensors.
• To exploit this phenomenon for measuring relative separation and angular displacement.
• To validate analytical and simulation models against experimental data.

Main Methods:

• Developing and analyzing mutually over-coupled inductive sensor models (solenoid and planar coils).
• Employing first-order analytical functions and finite element modeling for simulation.
• Conducting experimental validation of the bimodal resonance phenomenon and displacement measurement capabilities.

Main Results:

• Observed and validated bimodal resonance phenomena in different inductive sensor configurations.
• Achieved experimental predictability of co-planar separation within ±1 mm.
• Achieved experimental predictability of angular displacement within ±1°.

Conclusions:

• First-order physics-based models for inductive sensors are validated.
• Demonstrated a novel proof of principle for using resonant phenomena in inductive array sensors.
• This technique offers a precise method for evaluating relative displacement between sensor elements.