3D Magnetic Sensor Position Tracking With Rotation Independence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic sensing technologies for tracking magnetic targets lack the ability to provide increased resolution and immunity to external interference while being independent of the target's rotation, and they do not utilize specific sensor orientations with magnet arrays to enhance sensitivity and spacing.
Innovation Solution
The use of a uniform magnetic field produced by an array of permanent or electromagnets, combined with 3D magnetic sensing elements oriented at a 45-degree angle relative to the magnetic field, allows for high-resolution tracking with reduced susceptibility to external interference and rotation independence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple single and multi-axis sensing elements are used, then measurement capability is improved, but susceptibility to external magnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using multiple single-axis or multi-axis sensing elements to a single 3D magnetic sensing element that measures magnetic field vectors in three dimensions simultaneously. This dimensional transformation allows the system to achieve the same position tracking capability while being independent of target rotation and less susceptible to external interference, as the 3D vector measurements can distinguish between target-generated fields and external interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from multiple scalar measurements using separate sensors to a unified 3D vector measurement using a single sensor. By measuring the magnetic field as a vector quantity with three components (x, y, z) instead of multiple independent scalar values, the system achieves rotation independence and reduced interference susceptibility while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If sensor elements are placed closer together, then resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single 3D magnetic sensing element. Instead of using multiple separate sensors arranged in an array, the invention uses one sensor that can measure magnetic field vectors in three dimensions, thereby achieving high position resolution without the complexity of a multi-element sensor array.
Solution Approach 2:
The single 3D magnetic sensing element performs multiple measurement functions simultaneously - it can determine position, detect target orientation, and measure magnetic field strength in three dimensions. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving measurement capabilities.
3Reliability
If the sensor array is made rotation-independent, then reliability is improved, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from measuring magnetic field strength at multiple points (which would require complex rotation compensation algorithms) to measuring the complete 3D magnetic field vector at a single point. This parameter transformation enables rotation independence because the 3D vector measurement inherently captures the full magnetic field state, allowing the system to calculate position accurately regardless of target orientation.
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
This configuration enables precise tracking of magnetic targets with increased resolution and immunity to external magnetic interference, allowing for accurate position determination using magnetic sensing technology.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic sensing elements are oriented to provide the greatest sensitivity relative to a magnetic field produced by the magnetic target
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic sensing apparatus for sensing and tracking the position of a target that is independent of the rotation of the target about the magnetic sensing elements. The apparatus provides increased resolution and increased sensor element to sensor element spacing. Also, the apparatus reduces the susceptibility to external interference from interaction with external magnetic fields.