3D Input Magnetic Sensor Layout for Compact Mobile Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D input devices are large and unsuitable for mobile or portable use due to complex designs and high electrical effort required for magnetoresistive sensor technologies.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic arrangement with magnetoresistive sensors and ferromagnetic marker elements that focus magnetic field lines onto the sensor, reducing the measuring range to a linear range, simplifying the design, and allowing miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetoresistive sensors are used to detect magnetic field positions, then measurement capability is achieved, but electrical effort and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary measurement capability by using a single magnetoresistive sensor to detect magnetic field position, eliminating the need for complex sensor arrays or multiple sensors. The magnetic field element and marker element configuration provides sufficient measurement information with minimal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameters by using a marker element with specific magnetic properties that focus magnetic field lines. This allows the sensor to detect position through magnetic field line concentration rather than requiring complex sensor processing, reducing electrical effort while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If complex magnetic arrangements are used to achieve 3D input functionality, then measurement capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the magnetic field element and marker element in a compact configuration where the marker element is positioned within or adjacent to the sensor unit. This nested arrangement allows 3D input functionality in a miniaturized form factor suitable for mobile devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the magnetic field's three-dimensional nature to provide 3D input capability without requiring three separate measurement systems. The magnetic field lines extend in multiple dimensions, allowing a single sensor unit to detect movements in X, Y, and Z directions through magnetic field line concentration patterns.
3Measurement precision
If magnetoresistive sensors with wide measuring range are used, then measurement coverage is improved, but electrical effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating magnetic field lines at specific locations using the marker element. This creates localized high-field regions that the sensor can detect with minimal electrical effort, rather than requiring the sensor to scan or measure across a wide area uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by focusing the magnetic field only in the necessary measurement direction rather than providing uniform field coverage in all directions. The marker element concentrates magnetic field lines onto the sensor, providing sufficient measurement capability with reduced electrical effort compared to omnidirectional field generation.
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
Reduces electrical effort and simplifies construction, enabling miniaturization and portability of 3D input devices while maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
Each sensor unit comprises a magnetoresistive sensor, at least one, in particular exactly one, magnetic field element and at least one, in particular exactly one, magnetic marker element
Implementation Method 2
the marker element focuses the magnetic field emitted by the magnetic field element of said sensor unit, in particular the magnetic field lines, onto said marker element
Data Source
AI summary
A 3D input apparatus including a first object, a second object movable relative to the first object, and at least one sensor unit for detecting displacements and/or angular rotations of the objects relative to each other. Each sensor unit includes a magnetoresistive sensor, a magnetic field element, and a magnetic marker element. The magnetoresistive sensor and the magnetic field element of respectively one sensor unit are connected to one of the objects, and the marker element of said sensor unit is connected to the other object. For each sensor unit the magnetoresistive sensor of said sensor unit detects a magnetic field emitted by the magnetic field element of said sensor unit and influenced by the marker element of said sensor unit.