3D Hall Sensor Array Lattice for Magnetic Field Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Planar Hall sensors on graphene are inefficient, leading to poor signal-to-noise ratio in magnetic field detection applications.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional (3D) magnetic sensing block is formed using interconnected unit cells, where a polymer lattice is photo-initiated, coated with metal, and converted to graphene or carbon nanotubes, allowing for a 3D addressable array with improved signal-to-noise ratio and directional magnetic field detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If planar Hall sensors on graphene are used, then the sensor structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the signal-to-noise ratio is poor and detection efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor structure simplicityVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar (2D) Hall sensor structure to a three-dimensional (3D) lattice structure. The 3D lattice configuration provides multiple spatial dimensions for current path routing and magnetic field interaction, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining manufacturability through systematic fabrication processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The Hall sensor is divided into multiple unit cells arranged in a 3D lattice pattern. Each unit cell can be independently optimized and addressed, allowing for enhanced detection capability through distributed sensing elements while maintaining a systematic manufacturing approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If planar Hall sensors are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the detection capability for magnetic fields is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidmagnetic field detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a three-dimensional lattice structure that enables detection of magnetic fields in multiple spatial directions. This 3D configuration provides enhanced magnetic field detection capability by allowing current flow and magnetic field interaction in three dimensions, while the systematic lattice pattern maintains manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor employs a composite structure combining conductive materials arranged in a 3D lattice configuration. This composite architecture enhances magnetic field detection capability through improved current paths and magnetic field interaction geometries, while the modular nature facilitates straightforward manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Measurement precision

If a 3D lattice structure is implemented, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The 3D lattice structure is segmented into repeating unit cells that follow a systematic pattern. This segmentation allows the complex 3D structure to be constructed through modular assembly, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the signal-to-noise ratio benefits of the three-dimensional configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The 3D lattice structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, defines current paths, creates magnetic field interaction geometries, and enables addressability of individual sensing elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while enhancing signal-to-noise ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The 3D addressable Hall sensor achieves enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and improved detection capabilities for magnetic fields in three dimensions, enabling more precise magnetic field sensing without the need for process changes.

Implementation Method 1

photo-initiating polymerization of a monomer in a 3D pattern of interconnected unit cells to form a polymer lattice

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhoto-polymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

A Hall sensor (or Hall effect sensor) is a transducer that varies its output voltage in response to a magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20190204395A1Hall sensor array
Publication Date: 2019.07.04 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC
  • US20190204395A1 patent drawing
  • US20190204395A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In described examples, a 3D magnetic sensing block includes a plurality of interconnected unit cells including at least a first unit cell formed of first interconnected conducting segments, and a second unit cell formed of second interconnected conducting segments. The plurality of interconnected unit cells forms a lattice. The first unit cell is a first sensing element, and the second unit cell is a second sensing element.