Capacitive Current Sensor Using Lorentz Force Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors for detecting electric currents require complex manufacturing processes and configurations, making them impractical for simple and accurate current detection.
Innovation Solution
A sensor design featuring a base with a first structure body including a support portion, a movable portion, and a fixed electrode, where a current flows through a conductive member, generating a Lorentz force that changes capacitance between electrodes, allowing for detection of the target current without complex manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing sensor designs are used, then detection accuracy can be achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into distinct functional modules: a base structure, a movable portion with conductive member, and a fixed electrode. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using simple processes and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining detection accuracy through optimized functional divisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing mechanisms with an electromagnetic field-based detection system. A current flowing through the conductive member generates a magnetic field that interacts with the fixed electrode, producing a measurable signal. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical linkages and moving parts, simplifying manufacturing while preserving measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex sensor configurations are used, then detection capability improves, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor design employs universal components that can detect various types of currents (DC and AC) through the same basic mechanism. The movable portion with conductive member and fixed electrode configuration can adapt to different detection scenarios without requiring complex reconfiguration, thereby improving detection capability while maintaining ease of manufacture through component standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor achieves versatile detection capability by changing operational parameters rather than structural complexity. By adjusting the current flowing through the conductive member and the resulting magnetic field interactions, the same simple structure can detect different current types and magnitudes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensor configurations.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple sensor structure is used, then ease of manufacture improves, but temperature stability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the current-carrying conductive member and the fixed electrode. This magnetic field mediator provides a stable detection mechanism that is less sensitive to temperature variations. The simple structure of the conductive member and electrode assembly maintains ease of manufacture, while the magnetic field interaction ensures temperature stability by providing a consistent physical basis for detection across varying thermal conditions.
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 simple and practical detection of both DC and AC currents with high accuracy by utilizing a straightforward configuration that changes capacitance in response to the detection target current, suppressing temperature influences.
Implementation Method 1
a current flows through a conductive member, generating a Lorentz force that changes capacitance between electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a sensor includes a base including a first face including a first face region, and a first structure body fixed to the first face region. The first structure body includes a first support portion fixed to the first face region, a second support portion fixed to the first face region, a first movable portion, and a first fixed electrode fixed to the first face region. The first movable portion is supported by the first and second support portions and apart from the base in a first direction crossing the first face region. The first movable portion includes a first movable electrode facing the first fixed electrode, and a first conductive member. A first current flows the first conductive member along a second direction crossing the first direction. A first gap is provided between the first fixed electrode and the first movable portion.