The present disclosure relates to the field of magnetic encoder rings.
DEFINITIONS
As used in the present disclosure, the following terms are generally intended to have the meaning as set forth below, except to the extent that the context in which they are used indicate otherwise.
Encoder - The term 'encoder' hereinafter refers to an electromechanical device that provides an electrical signal that is used for speed/RPM, direction of motion and/or position measurement and control. The encoder generates digital and/or analog signals in response to motion.
Magnetic encoder - The term 'magnetic encoder' hereinafter refers to a device provided with a plurality of magnetic poles embedded therein in order to generate pulses in conjunction with a sensor unit, wherein these pulses are then used for detecting direction of motion, position as well as RPM/speed of any rotating/moving component.
Track - The term 'track' hereinafter refers to a portion of the encoder ring on which a plurality of equidistant magnetic poles is configured.
Axial Surface - The term 'Axial Surface' hereinafter refers to a surface of the encoder ring which is perpendicular to the axis of the encoder ring and is generated by rotating the radius in 360 degrees. The surface vector of the axial surface is parallel to the axis of the encoder ring.
Radial Surface - The term 'Radial Surface' hereinafter refers to a surface of the encoder ring which is generated by translating the outer circumference of the encoder ring along the axis of the encoder ring. The radial surface is perpendicular to each radius at the point of intersection of each of said radii with

the radial surface. The surface vector of the radial surface is parallel to the radius of the encoder ring.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Typically, a magnetic encoder ring is used for measuring RPM, direction of rotation, and angular position of a rotating component of a machine. Conventional magnetic encoder rings with a single track are used for applications where a considerable tolerance is acceptable. Multi-track magnetic encoder rings are used for critical high speed applications demanding high accuracy and reliability.
However, the problem with the conventional multi-track magnetic encoder rings is that they are difficult to install in space constrained environments/applications such as in bearings. This is because of the increase in the size of the encoder ring with the increase in the number of tracks (radial or axial).
There is, therefore, felt a need of an apparatus for measuring rotational speed, direction of rotation and position of a rotating component that alleviates the above mentioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for measuring rotational speed, direction of rotation and position of a rotating component.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for measuring rotational speed, direction of rotation and position of a rotating component that provides improved accuracy and precision.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for measuring rotational speed, direction of rotation and position of a rotating component that is compact.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for measuring rotational speed, direction of rotation and position of a rotating component that utilizes the available space in an effective manner.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for measuring rotational speed, direction of rotation and position of a rotating component that is reliable in operation.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for measuring rotational speed, direction of rotation and position of a rotating component that can be used in high speed applications.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for measuring rotational speed, direction of rotation and position of a rotating component. The apparatus comprises an encoder ring, a magnetic sensor, and a controller. The encoder ring comprises a first ring portion and a second ring portion. The first ring portion is defined along an axial surface of the encoder ring. The second ring portion is defined along a radial surface of the encoder ring. A plurality of first magnetic poles and second magnetic poles are configured on the first ring portion and the second ring portion, respectively. The magnetic fields of the first and second magnetic poles are sensed by a magnetic sensors placed in proximity to the ring's first and second ring portions respectively and these signals are processed by the controller for measuring the rotational speed, direction of rotation and position of the rotating component.

The magnetic encoder ring includes a fastening means to fasten said ring to the rotating component.
A Hall-effect sensor or a magneto-resistive sensor is used for capturing the magnetic field pulses generated by the rotating encoder ring.
In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a noise cancellation unit selected from a group of devices consisting of electromagnetic interference (EMI) filters and ferrite blocks for reducing electrical disturbances.
In another embodiment, an encoder ring with multiple tracks and a plurality of magnetic sensors are used to calculate the speed, direction of rotation, and position of the rotating component.
An average or a root mean square value of the magnetic field pulses sensed by each of the magnetic sensors (both radially placed and axially placed) is used by the controller for accurately and precisely calculating the speed of the rotating component.
According to another aspect, the present disclosure discloses an encoder ring for measuring rotational speed, direction of rotation and position of a rotating component. The encoder ring comprises a first ring portion, a second ring portion. The first ring portion is defined along an axial surface of the encoder ring. The second ring portion is defined along the radial surface of the encoder ring. A plurality of first magnetic poles and second magnetic poles are configured on the first ring portion and the second ring portion, respectively.
The desired magnetic pole patterns are created at the first and second ring portions by magnetizing the rubber magnetic material present at the first and second ring portions of the encoder ring respectively.
The material of the encoder ring is selected from the group of materials consisting of aluminium, steel, and composite material.

In an embodiment, a single track of magnetic poles is configured along the first ring portion and a single track of magnetic poles is configured along the second ring portion.
In another embodiment, a plurality of tracks of the magnetic poles is configured along the first ring portion while a single track of the magnetic poles is configured along the second ring portion.
In yet another embodiment, a plurality of tracks of the magnetic poles is configured along the second ring portion while a single track of the magnetic poles is configured along the first ring portion.
In still another embodiment, a plurality of tracks of the magnetic poles is configured along the first ring portion and a plurality of tracks of the magnetic poles is configured along the second ring portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
The apparatus for measuring rotational speed, direction of rotation and position of a rotating component of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a conventional radial multi-track magnetic encoder ring;
Figure 2 shows an isometric view of conventional axial multi-track magnetic encoder ring;
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a conventional axial single-track encoder ring and a conventional axial multi-track encoder ring;
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a magnetic encoder ring, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 5 shows the block diagram of the apparatus 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a magnetic encoder ring, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a magnetic encoder ring, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a magnetic encoder ring, in accordance with still another embodiment of the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND DRAWING
10 - Rotating component
40 - Radial multi-track magnetic encoder ring
50 - Axial single track magnetic encoder ring
60 - Axial multi-track magnetic encoder ring
70 - High resolution sensor
100 -Apparatus
200 - Magnetic encoder ring
210 - First portion of ring
215 - First magnetic poles
230 - Second portion of ring
235 - Second magnetic poles

250 - Magnetic sensor
260 - Controller
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a", "an", and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises", "comprising", "including", and "having", are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element is referred to as being "mounted on", "engaged to", "connected to", or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or

coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region or section from another component, region, or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
Terms such as "inner", "outer", "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.
Figure 1 shows a conventional radial multi-track encoder ring. Figure 2 shows an isometric view of conventional axial multi-track magnetic encoder ring 60 and a high resolution magnetic sensor 70 is positioned near the encoder ring 60 for capturing the magnetic field of the rotating encoder ring 60. Both the radial and the axial multi-track encoder rings are used for high speed applications demanding high accuracy. However, these conventional rings require more space, thus making it infeasible to be incorporated in small and confined spaces such as bearings.
The various types of magnetic encoder ring available in the market are:
i. Radial single-track magnetic encoder ring;
ii. Radial multi-track magnetic encoder ring;
iii. Axial single-track magnetic encoder ring; and
iv. Axial multi-track magnetic encoder ring.
Figure 3 shows a radial single-track encoder ring 50 and a radial multi-track encoder ring 60 mounted on a rotating component 10. The high resolution sensor 70 is positioned near the encoder rings for capturing the magnetic field of the rotating encoder rings.

The present disclosure envisages an apparatus 100 for measuring rotational speed, direction of rotation, and position of a rotating component. Further, a new type of magnetic encoder ring which is a combination of a radial magnetic encoder ring and an axial magnetic encoder ring is disclosed herein. The new type of ring is an integrated radial-track and axial-track magnetic encoder ring 200, which is hereinafter referred to as 'encoder ring 200'. Figure 4 shows the encoder ring 200. The encoder ring 200 comprises a first ring portion 210 and a second ring portion 230. A plurality of first magnetic poles 215 is configured on the first ring portion 210, while a plurality of second magnetic poles 235 is configured on the second ring portion 230. Both the ring portions (210, 230) contain evenly spaced alternating north and south poles along circumferential direction. The encoder ring 200 includes a fastening means to facilitate fastening of the encoder ring 200 to the rotating component.
Figure 5 shows the block diagram of the apparatus 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The magnetic field of the magnetic encoder ring 200 is sensed by a magnetic sensor 250. The magnetic sensor 250 further sends a signal to a controller 260. The controller 260 processes the signal received from the magnetic sensor 250 and processes it further to measure the rotational speed, direction of rotation and/or angular position of the rotating component.
The encoder ring 200 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in Figures 4, 6, 7, and 8.
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a magnetic encoder ring 200, which includes a single magnetic track on the first ring portion 210 and a single magnetic track on the second ring portion 230.
Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a magnetic encoder ring 200, which includes two magnetic tracks on the first ring portion 210 and a single magnetic

track on the second ring portion 230. It is to be noted that the encoder ring of Figure 6 may include more than two magnetic tracks on the first ring portion 210.
Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a magnetic encoder ring 200, which includes a single magnetic track on the first ring portion 210 and two magnetic tracks on the second ring portion 230. It is to be noted that the encoder ring of Figure 7 may include more than two magnetic tracks on the second ring portion
230.
Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a magnetic encoder ring 200, which includes two magnetic tracks on the first ring portion 210 and two magnetic tracks on the second ring portion 230. It is to be noted that the encoder ring of Figure 8 may include more than two magnetic tracks on the first ring portion 210 as well as on the second ring portion 230.
Consider for an exemplary purpose, that the count of the first magnetic poles 215 on the first ring portion 210 is x, and the count of the second magnetic poles 235 on the second ring portion 230 is y. It is to be noted that, the "number of magnetic poles" in the first ring portion 210 and the second ring portion 230 can be same or different depending upon application.
For the first ring portion 210, one revolution = x pole interactions (including both alternating N and S poles) = x/2 pulses (x/2 N-S pole pairs)
For the second ring portion 230, one revolution = y pole interactions (including both alternating N and S poles) = y/2 pulses (y/2 N-S pole pairs)
These North-South pole pairs are generally regarded as "poles" in the encoder ring market.
The magnetic encoder ring 200 is magnetized in both radial as well as in axial direction to provide alternative North and South magnetic poles thereon. In an embodiment, each of the tracks on the first ring portion 210 and the second ring portion 230 comprises the same number of magnetic poles, which produce same

waveforms. However, in some applications the number of magnetic poles in the tracks on the first ring portion 210 and the second ring portion 230 may be different.
The dimension of the encoder ring 200 need not be changed in order to achieve multi-track path. The simultaneous presence of radial and axial magnetic poles on the encoder ring makes the magnetic encoder ring 200 more reliable. Any kind of abnormality/damage in a magnetic track on any one dimension (either radial or axial) will be catered by the magnetic track on the other dimension. For example, in case there is some damage to the first magnetic poles 215 on the first ring portion 210, then the second magnetic poles 235 on the second ring portion 230 will provide the necessary magnetic signals/pulses for a reliable functioning of the magnetic encoder ring 200.
Since the magnetic encoder ring 200 of the present disclosure is compact, the thickness of a magnetic sensor 250 and PCB units (not shown in figures) used for capturing the magnetic signals from the magnetic poles (215, 235) of the rotating encoder ring 200 is also reduced as compared to the ones present in existing multi-track encoders. In an embodiment, a high resolution sensor 250 is used for sensing the magnetic field.
The mass of the magnetic encoder ring 200 is significantly lesser as compared to the conventional multi-track encoder rings shown in Figure 1 through Figure 2.
The apparatus 100 of the present disclosure, configured with multi-track feature of the encoder ring 200 will solve the problem of reading the high rotational speed (RPM), as the encoder ring 200 with lesser number of magnetic poles (either on axial surface or radial surface) enables a user to use the apparatus 100 in high speed applications without increasing the data capturing speed (controller clock rate) and capacity (controller memory) of the controller 260. The investment on a controller (not shown in figures) with higher speed and capacity is thus avoided.

Further, the availability of multiple parallel tracks of alternately arranged magnetic poles (i.e. North and South poles) provides higher precision as multiple magnetic sensors 250 give a multitude of parameter values to the controller 260, and then the controller performs averaging on those obtained parameter values in order to calculate the accurate parameter value. One of the parameters which can be read with higher precision in this manner is the RPM or the rotational speed.
The magnetic field strength of the magnetic poles will depend upon the sensitivity and type of magnetic sensor to be used for sensing the magnetic fields.
The radial and axial tracks of the encoder ring 200 can be fitted in a single unit, making it an integrated part, thereby consuming less space.
For the proper functioning of an encoder ring, at least two tracks of magnetic poles are required in the magnetic encoder ring for direction of rotation detection i.e. in terms of clockwise and counter-clockwise. Hence, a plurality of magnetic poles is included in the encoder ring.
The encoder ring 200 can be modified to include radial multi-tracks (two or more radial tracks) and axial multi-tracks (two or more axial tracks) on the magnetic encoder ring. The modified encoder ring can be used in ultimate precision applications with enough space to accommodate it (as the size of the encoder will increase upon increasing the tracks only on axial surface or radial surface). A noise cancellation unit (not shown in figures) is used to reduce electrical disturbances.
Each magnetic track of the encoder ring 200 can be configured to provide unique signal pulses. That is, it can be thought to have varied waveform types from this encoder ring 200, such as a Sin-Cos encoder on the radial side, a square-wave encoder on the axial side and many more combinations.

A single track of magnetic poles is configured along the first ring portion (210) and a single track of magnetic poles is configured along the second ring portion
(230).
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of tracks of the magnetic poles is configured along the first ring portion (210) while a single track of magnetic-poles is configured along the second ring portion (230).
Further, the encoder ring (200) may also include a plurality of tracks of the magnetic poles configured along the second ring portion (230) and a single track of the magnetic poles configured along the first ring portion (210).
The encoder ring (200) may also include a plurality of tracks of the magnetic poles configured along the first ring portion (210) and a plurality of tracks of the magnetic poles configured along the second ring portion (230).
The encoder ring 200 disclosed in the present disclosure caters to the space constraint, by simultaneously providing tracks with magnetic poles in axial as well as radial dimensions of the ring 200. The provision of axial and radial magnetic tracks on the encoder ring 200 caters to a multitude of purposes. The encoder ring 200 is suitable for space constrained applications such as space crafts, drones, security devices, high speed boats, and portable devices. The encoder ring 200 of the present disclosure can be used in applications which demand high accuracy and high precision. The apparatus 100 utilizes the available space in an effective manner.
The apparatus 100 ensures high reliability by virtue of the existence of multitude of tracks. Further, the apparatus 100 would cater the industrial requirement of providing a diversity of signals. The encoder ring 200 is capable of withstanding adverse environmental conditions.
At least 2 magnetic field pulses with some phase shift (usually 90 degrees) are generated which help for the determining the direction of rotation of the rotating

component. This means that, for the purpose of detection of direction of rotation of the rotating component, a single magnetic track is sensed by 2 phase shifted magnetic sensors.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCES AND ECONOMICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of an apparatus for measuring rotational speed, direction of rotation, and position of a rotating component that:
• is accurate;
• is reliable in high speed applications;
• is compact as compared to the conventional multi-track encoders; and
• can withstand adverse environmental conditions.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveals the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in

the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

WE CLAIM:

1.An apparatus (100) for measuring rotational speed, direction of rotation,
and position of a rotating component, said apparatus (100) comprising:
• an encoder ring (200), said encoder ring (200) comprising:
i. a first ring portion (210) defined along an axial surface of
said encoder ring (200); ii. a second ring portion (230) defined along the radial surface
of said encoder ring (200); iii. a plurality of first magnetic poles (215) configured on said
first ring portion (210); and iv. a plurality of second magnetic poles (235) configured on said second ring portion (230);
• a magnetic sensor (250) provided in proximity to said encoder ring (200), said magnetic sensor (250) configured to sense the magnetic fields of said poles and generating a signal based on the magnetic field; and
• a controller (260) configured to receive said signal from said magnetic sensor (250) and processing said signal for measuring the rotational speed, direction of rotation, and position of the rotating component.

2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said encoder ring (200) includes a fastening means to fasten said encoder ring (200) to the rotating component.
3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said magnetic sensor (250) for capturing the magnetic field pulses generated by said rotating encoder ring (200) is a Hall-effect type sensor.
4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said magnetic sensor (250) for capturing the magnetic field pulses generated by said rotating encoder ring (200) is a magneto-resistive type sensor.

5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one encoder ring (200) is installed on the rotating component.
6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein a separate sensor (250) is configured for sensing the magnetic field of each magnetic track of said encoder rings (200).
7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the magnetic field sensed by each of said sensors (250) (both radially placed and axially placed) is used by said controller (260) for calculating accurate parameter values of the rotating component by averaging the parameter values obtained from radial and axial sensors.
8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the magnetic field sensed by each of said sensors (250) is used by said controller (260) for calculating accurate parameter values of the rotating component by taking the root mean square of the parameter values obtained from radial and axial sensors.
9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus (100) includes a noise cancellation unit selected from a group of devices consisting of electromagnetic interference (EMI) filters and ferrite blocks for reducing electrical disturbance.
10. An encoder ring (200) for measuring rotational speed, direction of rotation and position of a rotating component, said encoder ring (200), said comprising:

• a first ring portion (210) defined along an axial surface of said encoder ring (200);
• a second ring portion (230) defined along the radial surface of said encoder ring (200);
• a plurality of first magnetic poles (215) configured on said first ring portion (210); and
• a plurality of second magnetic poles (235) configured on said second ring portion (230).

11. The encoder ring (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein said encoder ring (200) includes a fastening means to fasten said encoder ring (200) to the rotating component.
12. The encoder ring (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the magnetic poles are configured on said first and second ring portions (210 and 230) by magnetizing a rubber magnetic material present at said first and second ring portions (210 and 230) of the encoder ring (200).
13. The encoder ring (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the material of said encoder ring (200) is selected from the group of materials consisting of aluminium, steel, and composite material.
14. The encoder ring (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein a single track of magnetic poles is configured along the first ring portion (210) as well as a single track of magnetic poles is configured along the second ring portion (230).
15. The encoder ring (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein a plurality of tracks of the magnetic poles is configured along said first ring portion (210) while a single track of magnetic-poles is configured along said second ring portion (230).
16. The encoder ring (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein a plurality of
tracks of the magnetic poles is configured along said second ring portion
(230) while a single track of the magnetic poles is configured along said
first ring portion (210).

17. The encoder ring (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein a plurality of tracks of the magnetic poles is configured along the first ring portion (210) and a plurality of tracks of the magnetic poles is configured along the second ring portion (230).