GMR Sensor Magnetic Flux Conductor for Field Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic sensing devices, such as GMR sensors, are sensitive to the precise alignment of magnetic field lines, and existing methods for aligning these lines, like modifying the biasing magnet, are difficult and costly due to manufacturing variances.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic field sensor system with a substrate-mounted GMR sensor and a magnetic flux conducting member having a non-planar surface, accompanied by a non-magnetic member, which guides magnetic field lines to be more perpendicular to the sensor surface, reducing unwanted lateral components and allowing for more flexible magnet positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the biasing magnet shape is modified to align magnetic field lines, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A non-magnetic member is introduced as an intermediary component between the biasing magnet and the GMR sensor. This non-magnetic member has a specific geometry that guides and shapes the magnetic field lines without requiring complex modification of the biasing magnet itself, thereby achieving accurate field alignment while keeping the magnet design simple
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field guidance function is separated from the biasing magnet and assigned to a distinct non-magnetic member. This segmentation allows the biasing magnet to maintain a simple shape while the non-magnetic member provides the necessary field line guidance, reducing overall device complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If the biasing magnet shape is modified to align magnetic field lines, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The non-magnetic member serves as a manufacturing intermediary that provides precise field line guidance through its geometry. This allows the biasing magnet to be manufactured with standard, simple shapes using conventional processes, while the non-magnetic member (which can be easier to precision-manufacture) provides the necessary alignment functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The non-magnetic member acts as a disposable or sacrificial element in the assembly process that can be easily manufactured and positioned to provide field guidance, eliminating the need for expensive, precision-machined complex magnet shapes
3Measurement precision
If the sensor position is adjusted to compensate for manufacturing variances, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The non-magnetic member acts as a positioning intermediary that pre-aligns the magnetic field lines with the sensor before the sensor is even installed. This eliminates the need for precise manual positioning or adjustment of the sensor during assembly, as the field guidance is already established by the non-magnetic member's geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field line alignment is performed in advance through the fixed geometry of the non-magnetic member during the assembly process. This preliminary action ensures that when the sensor is installed, the field lines are already properly oriented, eliminating the need for subsequent adjustment operations
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 configuration enhances the accuracy of magnetic field sensing by reducing sensing errors caused by lateral field components, providing more flexibility in magnet placement without the need for expensive magnet shape modifications.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic flux conducting member has a second surface that is not parallel to the first surface
Implementation Method 2
Magnetic sensing devices, such as Hall sensors or Giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensors
Data Source
AI summary
An sensor includes a substrate with a magnetic field sensor mounted on the substrate. The magnetic field sensor has a first surface defining a plane. A magnetic flux conducting member has a second surface that is not parallel to the first surface. A non-magnetic member is situated between the magnetic field sensor and the magnetic flux conducting member.