Current Detection Apparatus Using Segmented Hall Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current detection apparatuses struggle to meet the simultaneous requirements of accurate battery charge control and battery condition monitoring, as they either lack the necessary resolution for charge control when used for condition monitoring or suffer from reduced resolution when trying to cover a wider current range, leading to increased manufacturing costs and size.
Innovation Solution
A current detection apparatus featuring a ring-shaped magnetic core with multiple Hall effect sensors, each with different measurement ranges and gain amplifiers, allowing for accurate current measurement across various ranges without increasing size or cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single current detection apparatus is used to cover a wide current range for battery condition monitoring, then the measurement range is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The current detection apparatus is segmented into multiple detection circuits, each dedicated to a specific measurement range. The magnetic sensor outputs are divided into multiple signal lines, with each signal line corresponding to a different current range. This segmentation allows each circuit to optimize its measurement precision for its designated range while collectively covering a wide overall measurement range.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameters by providing multiple measurement ranges with different full-scale current values. Each detection circuit is configured with specific gain settings and conversion factors tailored to its measurement range. This parameter differentiation enables high precision measurements across varying current magnitudes, from small charging currents to large discharging currents.
2Measurement precision
If multiple current detection apparatuses are used to achieve both accurate charge control and condition monitoring, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple current detection circuits are merged into a single integrated apparatus. All detection circuits share common components including the magnetic core, magnetic sensor, signal conditioning circuitry, and microcontroller. This merging reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant components while maintaining multiple measurement ranges through software-controlled gain selection and range switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The current detection apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to perform both accurate charge control measurements and battery condition monitoring. A single apparatus provides multiple measurement ranges that can be selectively activated based on the application requirements. The system universally handles different current scenarios (charging, discharging, engine start) through configurable detection circuits, eliminating the need for separate dedicated devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the measurement range is increased to cover both charge and discharge currents, then the adaptability is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement range is segmented into multiple intervals, with each detection circuit optimized for a specific interval. Small current ranges (e.g., ±10A for charge control) use high-gain circuits with fine resolution, while large current ranges (e.g., ±1000A for condition monitoring) use lower-gain circuits. This segmentation ensures that each segment maintains high precision appropriate for its scale, preventing the resolution degradation that would occur in a single wide-range circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus dynamically switches between different measurement ranges based on the detected current magnitude. The microcontroller monitors the magnetic sensor output and automatically selects the appropriate detection circuit or gain setting. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal measurement precision across the entire current spectrum, transitioning from high-precision mode for small currents to extended-range mode for large currents without manual intervention.
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 current measurement for both battery charge control and condition monitoring within a single apparatus, reducing manufacturing costs and size while providing flexible installation options.
Implementation Method 1
When current to be measured flows through the busbar 10, magnetic flux is generated in the magnetic core 20. Thus, the magnetic core 20 acts as a magnetic flux path.
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic sensor 30 is constructed as a Hall effect integrated circuit (IC) such that a Hall effect element 30h and a peripheral circuit are packaged in a single IC. The magnetic sensor 30 outputs an electrical signal having a value corresponding to intensity of magnetic field in the gap 20g.
Data Source
AI summary
A current detection apparatus includes a magnetic core having a ring shape with a gap and a center opening portion through which a current path is disposed, and a magnetic sensor including a magnetic sensing element such as a Hall effect element arranged in the gap. When a current flows through the current path, the magnetic core generates magnetic flux therein so that magnetic field is generated in the gap. The magnetic sensor outputs different electrical signals, each of which is measured in a different measurement range and corresponds to intensity of the magnetic field in the gap. The current detection apparatus measures the current based on the electrical signals outputted from the magnetic sensor.