Ferromagnetic Sensor with High Aspect Ratio for Multi-DOF Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic sensors used for tracking objects face challenges in accurately determining the position and orientation of objects with small sizes or complex shapes, as existing technologies struggle to provide precise measurements in multiple degrees of freedom without interfering with the object's function or requiring external electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a ferromagnetic sensor with a high aspect ratio and non-linear magnetization response, utilizing a combination of DC and AC magnetic fields to generate even harmonics, which are then detected to determine the position and orientation of the sensor in multiple degrees of freedom, without external electrical connections, and can be integrated into small objects like medical needles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional magnetic sensors are used for tracking, then the sensor can detect position, but the measurement precision in multiple degrees of freedom is insufficient and the sensor cannot accurately determine position and orientation of small objects
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is segmented into multiple functional elements: a ferromagnetic core for magnetic field interaction, a coil for electrical excitation, and signal processing components. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently for its specific function while working together to achieve multi-degree-of-freedom tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-point sensing to multi-dimensional sensing by using an elongated ferromagnetic core structure. This dimensional change enables the sensor to detect position and orientation in multiple degrees of freedom simultaneously, providing comprehensive spatial information about small objects.
2Ease of operation
If external electrical connections are used for sensor operation, then the sensor can be powered and controlled, but the sensor interferes with the object's function and cannot be integrated into small objects
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor design extracts and eliminates external electrical connections from the tracking system. The ferromagnetic core responds passively to magnetic fields, and the coil generates magnetic excitation without requiring external electrical contacts on the tracked object. This extraction enables integration into small objects like medical needles without interfering with their function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor performs self-service by generating its own magnetic excitation field through the coil and responding passively to external magnetic fields. This self-contained operation eliminates the need for external power connections or electrical contacts on the tracked object, allowing seamless integration into small objects without functional interference.
3Volume of moving object
If the sensor is made small for integration into objects like medical needles, then the sensor can be embedded without interfering with the object, but the sensor's ability to generate sufficient magnetic field for accurate tracking is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes key parameters of the ferromagnetic core, including its elongated geometry with high aspect ratio, magnetic permeability, and saturation characteristics. These parameter changes enable the compact sensor to generate sufficient magnetic field strength for accurate tracking despite its small size, maintaining effectiveness while achieving miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor uses composite material structures combining ferromagnetic materials with appropriate permeability and saturation characteristics. This composite approach allows optimization of magnetic field generation capability relative to size, enabling the sensor to maintain sufficient power output despite volume constraints.
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 precise tracking of objects in at least five degrees of freedom, with the ability to be integrated into small objects without interfering with their function, using a passive wireless sensor that can be embedded within the object, providing accurate position and orientation measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor has an aspect ratio of 10:1 or higher and comprises a ferromagnetic material. The ferromagnetic material has a non-linear magnetization response, and the response contains a maximum point of non-linearity.
Implementation Method 2
The ferromagnetic material has a non-linear magnetization response, and the response contains a maximum point of non-linearity.
Implementation Method 3
The DC magnetic field source is adjustable for providing a magnetic excitation field to excite a magnetic field within the sensor.
Implementation Method 4
The AC magnetic field source is configured to generate an AC magnetic field to cause the sensor to generate even harmonics.
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, the disclosure features a system comprising a sensor, a DC magnetic field source, an AC magnetic field source, and a receiver. The sensor has an aspect ratio of 10:1 or higher and comprises a ferromagnetic material. The ferromagnetic material has a non-linear magnetization response, and the response contains a maximum point of non-linearity. The DC magnetic field source is adjustable for providing a magnetic excitation field to excite a magnetic field within the sensor. The provided magnetic excitation field has a range such that the excited magnetic field within the sensor is near the maximum point of non-linearity. The AC magnetic field source is configured to generate an AC magnetic field to cause the sensor to generate even harmonics. The receiver is configured to receive the even harmonics from the sensor for determining a position of the sensor.