Calibratable Multidimensional Magnetic Point Sensor Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Hall sensor arrangements for detecting spatial components of a magnetic field require separate sensors for each direction, leading to calibration challenges and increased effort, especially when measuring three-dimensional fields, as they cannot be calibrated in a single point and are prone to offset errors due to manufacturing tolerances and external influences.
Innovation Solution
A calibratable magnetic field sensor design that uses symmetrically arranged sensor elements with an asymmetrical excitation line, allowing for simultaneous detection of multiple spatial components in a single point by generating different calibration field components, enabling continuous calibration and monitoring during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate sensors are used for each spatial direction, then multidimensional magnetic field detection is achieved, but calibration effort and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor elements (first and second sensor elements) into a single integrated sensor arrangement that detects magnetic field components in multiple spatial directions simultaneously. This merging approach allows the sensor to function as a multidimensional magnetic field sensor while enabling calibration at a single reference point, thereby reducing calibration effort and device complexity compared to using separate sensors for each direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor arrangement is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects magnetic field components in different spatial directions (first and second components) and also serves as its own calibration reference. The first sensor element acts as a reference sensor for calibrating the second sensor element, creating a universal structure that both measures and self-calibrates, reducing the need for external calibration equipment.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional Hall sensor arrangements are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but offset errors occur due to manufacturing tolerances and external influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the first sensor element (reference sensor) continuously monitors the magnetic field at the reference point and provides calibration data that is used to correct measurements from the second sensor element. This feedback loop compensates for offset errors caused by manufacturing tolerances and external influences, maintaining measurement precision without complicating the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor arrangement performs self-calibration using its own first sensor element as a reference. The system automatically detects and compensates for its own offset errors without requiring external calibration equipment or manual intervention, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while improving measurement precision through continuous self-correction.
3Loss of time
If multiple sensor elements are integrated in one arrangement, then calibration at a single point is enabled, but sensor element arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetrical excitation line design where the first sensor element is positioned or configured differently from the second sensor element. This asymmetry allows the first element to serve as a stable reference point for calibration while the second element performs measurements. The deliberate asymmetrical arrangement enables single-point calibration to propagate to the entire sensor system, reducing calibration time despite the increased sensor element arrangement complexity.
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 design allows for efficient calibration and monitoring of magnetic field sensors during operation, reducing hardware and time costs, and compensating for offset errors, enabling precise multidimensional magnetic field detection with minimal additional computational effort.
Implementation Method 1
Hall sensor elements which are based on the Hall effect are frequently employed in technology for non-contact contactless signal generators for detecting the position of switches or control elements
Implementation Method 2
the result will be a deflection in the current paths which is caused by the 'Lorenz force' acting on the moved charge carriers in the magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A calibratable magnetic field sensor for sensing a first and a second spatial component of a magnetic field in a reference point, wherein the magnetic field includes a first and a second measurement field component and/or a first and a second calibration field component. The magnetic filed sensor includes a first sensor element arrangement including at least a first and a second sensor element for sensing the first magnetic field component, which includes a first measurement field component and/or a first calibration field component, with respect to a first spatial axis in the reference point. Furthermore, the magnetic field sensor includes a second sensor element arrangement for sensing the second magnetic field component, which includes a second measurement field component and/or a second calibration field component, with respect to a second spatial axis in the reference point. The magnetic filed sensor also includes an excitation line arranged with respect to the first sensor element arrangement so that, when impressing a default current into the excitation line, a pair of different asymmetrical default calibration field components in the first sensor element and in the second sensor element is generated with respect to the first spatial axis in the first sensor element arrangement, wherein the two spatial axes pass along linearly independent position vectors.