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Abstract

The present invention is a shaft position sensor for detection of the position of a multiturn shaft. The rotation of the multiturn shaft is converted into a linear motion via a multiturn screw and two axially spaced non-rotating nuts which are oppositely continuously axially biased by intermediate compressed springs. A magnet is mounted on one of the nonrotating nuts. The linear movement of the magnet is converted into an electrical signal using a magneto resistive structure. A pair of flux plates is disposed on either side of the linear path of the magnet with a narrow gap opposite one end of the linear path of the magnet. The magneto resistive structure is disposed in the narrow gap. An electrical circuit measures the resistance of the magneto resistive structure, this resistance varying with magnetic flux, and generates an electrical position signal which indicates the rotary position of the multiturn shaft. Linearity in response can be provided by a flux shunt which blocks magnetic flux directly from the magnet, control of the distance of the flux plates from the linear path of the magnet.

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First Claim