Non-Contact Current Detector Using Magnetic Partial Rings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sensing current on circuit board traces, especially at high amperage, require placing a current detector in series with the trace, which can be impractical or impossible for multilayer boards and often results in inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A current detector using magnetically conductive partial rings and a Hall effect sensor to form a complete ring around the conductor, allowing current sensing without being placed in series, utilizing the Hall effect to measure current flowing through the trace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a current detector is placed in series with the conductor to measure current, then the measurement can be performed, but it becomes impractical or impossible for multilayer boards and results in inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetically conductive material as an intermediary between the current detector and the conductor. The detector is positioned away from the conductor, and magnetic flux generated by the current is guided through the magnetically conductive material to the detector, enabling non-contact measurement that is both accurate and easy to implement on multilayer boards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical series connection method with a magnetic field-based measurement system. Instead of physically inserting the detector into the current path, the system uses Hall effect sensors to detect magnetic flux generated by the current, substituting mechanical insertion with magnetic field interaction
2Adaptability or versatility
If a current detector is placed in series with the conductor, then current measurement is possible, but the device complexity increases and it cannot measure traces in middle layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into separate components: the detector remains outside the board structure while magnetically conductive materials are strategically placed on the board surface. This segmentation allows the detector to measure currents in various locations including middle layers without requiring physical access to the current path
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional series connection approach to a three-dimensional magnetic field interaction approach. By utilizing the magnetic field space above and below the board surface, the system can measure currents in middle layers without physical contact, adding spatial dimensions to the measurement capability
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 measurement of current through conductive traces without physically inserting a detector in series, suitable for high amperage currents and complex board structures, including those with traces within middle layers.
Implementation Method 1
A Hall effect sensor disposed within one of the first magnetically conductive partial ring and the second magnetically conductive partial ring is to output a signal corresponding to the current flowing through the conductor
Implementation Method 2
a first magnetically conductive partial ring to be located above the conductor. The current detector includes a second magnetically conductive partial ring to be located below the conductor and to form a magnetically conductive complete ring together with the first magnetically conductive partial ring around the conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A current detector senses current flowing through a conductor, such as a conductive trace of a circuit board, without being placed in series with the conductor. A first magnetically conductive partial ring is located above the conductor, and a second magnetically conductive partial ring is located below the conductor. Ends of one of the partial rings may be inserted through holes of the circuit board to either side of the conductive trace. The partial rings, upon being contactively aligned with one another, form a magnetically conductive complete ring around the conductor. A Hall effect sensor disposed within one of the partial rings outputs a signal corresponding to the current flowing through the conductor.