System for adjusting alignment and location of a magnet in a mover or other mounting component

Abstract

A system and method for adjusting the alignment and location of a magnet. A first actuator exerts a first applied force to urge the magnet in a first axial direction and a first biasing device exerts a first opposing force. The first applied force and opposing forces are modulated relative to each other to position the magnet at a lateral location. A second actuator exerts a second applied force to urge the magnet in a first angular direction about a pivot axis and a second biasing device exerts a second opposing force. The second applied and opposing forces are modulated relative to each other to position the magnet at a select angular orientation relative to the magnet holder. The magnet is secured to the magnet holder after positioning. The magnet can also be rotated about its geometric centerline to position its magnetic axis.

1 . An adjustment system for adjusting alignment of a magnet, said system comprising:
 a magnet holder;   a magnet carried by the magnet holder;   a first actuator that exerts a first applied force on the magnet to urge the magnet in at least one of: (i) a first axial direction; (ii) a first angular direction;   a first biasing device that exerts a first opposing force on the magnet in a direction that opposes the first applied force;   a magnet fastener that secures the magnet to the magnet holder in an operative position.   
     
     
         2 . The adjustment system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said first actuator urges the magnet in said first angular direction and said first biasing device urges said magnet in a second angular direction that is opposite the first angular direction, said system further comprising:
 a second actuator that exerts a second applied force on the magnet to urge the magnet in said first axial direction; and   a second biasing device that exerts a second opposing force on the magnet to urge the magnet in a second axial direction opposite said first axial direction.   
     
     
         3 . The adjustment system as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein at least one of said first and second applied forces and said first and second opposing forces are exerted directly on the magnet. 
     
     
         4 . The adjustment system as set forth in  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a mounting block movably connected to the magnet holder;   wherein said magnet is connected to said mounting block and wherein said mounting block pivots bi-directionally relative to said magnet holder and wherein said mounting block moves linearly bi-directionally relative to said magnet holder.   
     
     
         5 . The adjustment system as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein:
 at least one of said first applied force, said second applied force, said first opposing force, and said second opposing force are exerted indirectly on the magnet through said mounting block.   
     
     
         6 . The adjustment system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said a first actuator comprises a linear actuator and said first biasing device comprises a resilient reaction device. 
     
     
         7 . The adjustment system as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein said linear actuator comprises a servo motor controlled linear actuator and wherein said resilient reaction device comprises a spring. 
     
     
         8 . The adjustment system as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein said spring is located between and operatively engaged with said magnet holder and said magnet. 
     
     
         9 . The adjustment system as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein said resilient reaction device comprises a spring-biased rod. 
     
     
         10 . The adjustment system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said magnet holder comprises first and second passages defined therein and the first actuator and the first biasing device respectively extend through the first and second passages into operative engagement the magnet. 
     
     
         11 . The adjustment system as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein:
 the magnet holder comprises first and second passages defined therein and the first actuator and the first biasing device respectively extend through the first and second passages into operative engagement the magnet;   the magnet holder further comprises third and fourth passages defined therein and the second actuator and the second biasing device respectively extend through the third and fourth passages into operative engagement the magnet.   
     
     
         12 . The adjustment system as set forth in  claim 2 , further comprising a pivot engaged with the magnet, wherein the magnet rotates in said first and second angular directions on said pivot about a pivot axis. 
     
     
         13 . The adjustment system as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein said pivot is connected to said magnet holder. 
     
     
         14 . The adjustment system as set forth in  claim 13 , wherein said magnet holder comprises a recess in which said magnet is received, and wherein said pivot is located in said recess. 
     
     
         15 . The adjustment system as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein said pivot is separate from said magnet holder and provided on a magnet fixture that is selectively located adjacent said magnet holder. 
     
     
         16 . An adjustment method for adjusting the alignment of a magnet relative to a magnetic sensor reference position, said method comprising:
 providing a magnet holder and a magnet carried by the magnet holder;   sensing a magnetic field of the magnet at said first magnetic sensor reference position and adjusting a rotational position of said magnet relative to said holder about a geometric longitudinal axis of said magnet until a magnetic axis of said magnet is located at a desired position.   
     
     
         17 . The adjustment method as set forth in  claim 16 , wherein said desired position is selected based upon a position of said magnetic axis of said magnet relative to a reference plane. 
     
     
         18 . The adjustment method as set forth in  claim 17 , wherein said select position corresponds to a rotational position of said magnet relative to said holder where said magnetic axis lies in a plane that is parallel to said reference plane. 
     
     
         19 . An adjustment system for adjusting alignment of a magnet, said system comprising:
 a magnet holder;   a magnet carried by the magnet holder;   a magnet fastener that secures the magnet to the magnet holder in an operative position;   a first passage defined in said magnet holder adapted to receive a first associated actuator;   a spring operatively engaged with the magnet that exerts a first biasing force on the magnet that opposes the first associated actuator.   
     
     
         20 . The adjustment system as set forth in  claim 19 , further comprising:
 a mounting block movably connected to the magnet holder;   wherein said magnet is connected to said mounting block and wherein said mounting block at least one of: (i) pivots relative to said magnet holder about a pivot axis; (ii) moves linearly relative to said magnet holder.