A Novel Sensor Design of Angle Measurement for Harsh Environments

This paper presents a novel angle measurement sensor designed for operation in harsh environments. Typically, angle measurement is performed using encoders that are directly attached to motors, actuators, or both, depending on the application. These encoders can be either incremental or absolute and may utilize various sensing principles, such as optical, magnetic, or resistive methods. However, most conventional sensors exhibit significant limitations when deployed in extreme conditions, such as radioactive environments, high temperatures, or high moisture levels. In such scenarios, robotic systems often experience failures due to sensor malfunctions, making the development of robust angle measurement solutions essential for ensuring fail-safe operation. This paper introduces a novel angle measurement sensor based on the variation of electromagnetic inductance, specifically designed for use in harsh environments. Experimental results obtained from a laboratory setup validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.