Ferromagnetic Antenna Elements for Magnetic Field Gradient Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional apparatuses for detecting magnetic field gradients face challenges with low field strength resolution and interference from electromagnetic fields, particularly due to the complexity of SQUID sensors and high design complexity of spin magnetometers, as well as susceptibility to electromagnetic interference in magnetoresistive sensors.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs four ferromagnetic antenna elements arranged in pairs with associated resistance elements in a bridge circuit, where the resistance values depend on magnetic field strength and direction, using AMR, GMR, or TMR sensors to focus magnetic flux and detect field gradients with minimal interference, and is designed for compact integration with a sapphire substrate for improved thermal conductivity and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If SQUID sensors are used to achieve high resolution detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to cooling requirements and superconducting materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex SQUID sensors with inexpensive magnetoresistive sensors that do not require cooling systems or superconducting materials. The resistance elements can be manufactured using standard semiconductor processes, eliminating the need for cryogenic infrastructure and complex shielding while maintaining adequate detection capability for the intended application range.
2Measurement precision
If spin magnetometers are used to achieve high resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to numerous components and inability to integrate as circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical spin magnetometer systems with electrical resistance-based sensing elements that can be fabricated as integrated circuits. The resistance elements respond to magnetic fields through magnetoresistive effects, allowing compact, circuit-integrated designs that eliminate numerous mechanical and support components while achieving the required measurement precision.
3Device complexity
If magnetoresistive sensors are used for detection, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases due to susceptibility to electromagnetic field interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ferromagnetic antenna elements as intermediary structures that focus and guide magnetic flux from the target field toward the resistance elements. These antenna elements enhance the magnetic field signal at the sensor location while inherently rejecting electromagnetic interference through their magnetic focusing properties, thereby improving reliability without adding complex shielding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies magnetic focusing by concentrating magnetic flux locally at the resistance elements through ferromagnetic antenna structures. This local enhancement of magnetic field strength at the sensing point allows the sensors to detect weak magnetic fields with high reliability while maintaining simple overall device design without requiring global shielding.
4Volume of moving object
If antenna elements are placed close together for compact design, then volume is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to magnetic coupling between elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges antenna elements and resistance elements in a three-dimensional configuration where resistance elements are positioned between antenna elements in the vertical dimension. This spatial arrangement allows magnetic flux focusing while maintaining adequate magnetic decoupling between adjacent antenna element pairs, enabling compact design without sacrificing measurement precision for field gradient detection.
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 solution enables reliable detection of small magnetic field gradients with reduced design complexity, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and the ability to detect very small fields while maintaining measurement accuracy across varying temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna elements focus the magnetic flux in the field areas between the two antenna elements of an antenna element pair
Implementation Method 2
each antenna element pair has at least one associated resistance element, whose resistance value is dependent on the field strength and of the direction of the magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for detection of the gradient of a magnetic field includes at least four antenna elements (11, 12, 13, 14) composed of a ferromagnetic material, which are arranged in pairs, and a bridge circuit having at least four resistance elements (1, 2, 3, 4), which are associated with the antenna elements (11, 12, 13, 14) or antenna element pairs. Each antenna element pair has at least one associated resistance element (1, 2, 3, 4) whose resistance value is dependent on the field strength and on the direction of the magnetic field, and which resistance element (1, 2, 3, 4) is arranged in a field area (19) which extends between the two antenna elements (11, 12, 13, 14) of the antenna element pair. The invention also relates to a method for production of an apparatus which is intended for detection of the gradient of a magnetic field.