3D Position Sensor Magnetometer Array Non-Contact Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current three-dimensional position sensing technologies face challenges in accurately determining the position and orientation of mechanical components in all three Cartesian axes without physical contact, leading to increased complexity and cost, and difficulties in sensing relative positions between non-contacting parts.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional position sensor system utilizing an array of magnetometers to detect magnetic flux values generated by magnetic targets, with a logic device processing these values to determine the position and orientation of target objects, allowing for non-contact position sensing in multiple degrees of freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to sense position in all three Cartesian axes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple magnetometer sensors into a single integrated sensor unit that can detect magnetic field vectors in three-dimensional space. This merging approach allows the system to achieve position sensing accuracy equivalent to multiple separate sensors while reducing overall device complexity and component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetometer array is designed to perform multiple sensing functions simultaneously, including position detection, orientation detection, and motion tracking, all within a single sensor system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor systems for different measurement types, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are included to improve position sensing, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple sensing capabilities into a single magnetometer array, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the measurement precision that would otherwise require multiple separate sensor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the sensor system by using magnetic field detection instead of mechanical or optical sensing methods. This parameter change enables the use of fewer, more cost-effective sensors while achieving the same level of position sensing accuracy, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
3Measurement precision
If contact-based sensing is used to improve measurement precision, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability decreases due to wear and contact issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based sensing systems with a magnetic field-based sensing system. This substitution eliminates physical contact between the sensor and the target object, thereby removing wear and contact-related failure modes while maintaining high position sensing accuracy through non-contact magnetic field detection.
4Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are deployed to sense relative position without contact, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple magnetometer elements into a coordinated array that functions as a single integrated sensing unit. This merging allows the system to achieve accurate relative position sensing without contact while managing device complexity through unified sensor design and centralized signal processing.
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
Enables accurate and cost-effective determination of position and orientation in three-dimensional space without physical contact, suitable for various mechanical systems, including those under harsh environmental conditions, by using magnetometers to detect magnetic fields and process data for precise tracking.
Implementation Method 1
a position sensor comprising a plurality of magnetometers configured to provide a set of magnetic flux values corresponding to a magnetic field generated by the magnetic target
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for a three-dimensional (3D) non-contact position sensor. A system includes a magnetic target coupled to and/or integrated with a target object and a position sensor comprising a plurality of magnetometers configured to provide a set of magnetic flux values corresponding to a magnetic field generated by the magnetic target. A logic device receives the set of magnetic flux values provided by the plurality of magnetometers of the position sensor and determines a position and/or orientation of the target object based, at least in part, on the received set of magnetic flux values. The position and/or orientation of the target object may be used as feedback to help position and/or orient the target object according to a desired position and/or orientation or to track its position accurately in real-time.