Detachable Magnetic Sensor Mount for Close-Range Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic sensor technologies face challenges in achieving high sensitivity due to the magnetic field attenuating with distance, and require easy attachment and detachment for use with different headgear configurations.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic sensor unit with a detachable holding member featuring engaging portions and a guide portion that allows the sensor to be easily attached and detached, bringing it closer to the measurement target.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the magnetic sensor is fixed by being sandwiched between holding members, then the magnetic sensor is securely held, but the magnetic sensor is spaced apart from the measurement target, reducing measurement sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure holdingVSAvoidmeasurement sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The holding member is divided into a base portion and an extension portion that protrudes toward the measurement target. The magnetic sensor is held at the base portion while the extension portion provides engagement without interfering with the sensor's proximity to the measurement target, thus maintaining both secure holding and measurement sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extension portion acts as an intermediary between the holding function and the measurement function. It provides the engagement interface for the magnetic sensor while allowing the sensor to extend forward to the measurement target, mediating between the need for secure attachment and close proximity to the target.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the magnetic sensor is fixed using screws or pins, then the magnetic sensor is securely attached, but the attachment and detachment process requires tools and time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidattachment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The screw or pin-based mechanical fastening system is replaced with a snap-fit engagement system. The engagement portion of the holding member features a protrusion that fits into a recess on the magnetic sensor, allowing tool-free attachment and detachment while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement portion is designed with elastic deformation capability, allowing it to flex during attachment and detachment. This dynamic behavior enables easy insertion and removal of the magnetic sensor while ensuring secure holding during measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple magnetic sensors are attached to different headgear, then the sensors can be used with various measurement targets, but the sensors need to be transferred and reattached, reducing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheadgear compatibilityVSAvoidattachment efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding member is designed as a universal interface that can be attached to different types of headgear while maintaining the same engagement mechanism for the magnetic sensor. This allows the magnetic sensor to be easily transferred between different headgear configurations without requiring different attachment methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260056038A1Magnetic sensor unit

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK

AI summary

A magnetic sensor unit includes a magnetic sensor and a holding member that detachably holds the magnetic sensor. A first engaging portion formed by a recess is formed on a side surface of the magnetic sensor. The holding member includes a base portion and an extension portion extending from the base portion, the extension portion being formed with a second engaging portion formed by a protrusion corresponding to the recess. The magnetic sensor is detachably held by the holding member by the second engaging portion being engaged with the first engaging portion.