Magnetic Angle Sensor With Halbach Array and Nonvolatile Turn Counting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic angular-position measuring devices struggle to accurately determine angular position and count revolutions during temporary power outages, particularly in multi-turn applications, without volatile storage solutions.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic angular-position measuring device comprising a first and second component group with a Halbach array or cylinder magnet arrangement, a position detector, and a domain-wall memory, allowing for precise angular position detection and revolution counting using a magnetoresistive or Hall element, with a housing for interference shielding and a domain-wall conductor for non-volatile revolution storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a magnetic angular-position measuring device is used to determine angular position and count revolutions, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability during power outages deteriorates because volatile storage loses data when power is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces volatile electronic storage with a domain-wall memory device that uses magnetic domain walls to store revolution information non-volatilely. The domain walls are moved by magnetic fields from permanent magnets during rotation, and their positions are detected to count revolutions without requiring continuous power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the storage mechanism from volatile electrical states to non-volatile magnetic domain wall positions. The domain walls represent binary states (0 or 1) through their position in magnetic tracks, enabling persistent storage of revolution counts without power.
2Reliability
If a domain-wall memory is integrated into the magnetic measuring device, then reliability during power outages is improved through non-volatile storage, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing function (magnetic field detection by Hall elements or magnetoresistive sensors) with the storage function (domain-wall memory) into a single integrated device. The same permanent magnets that generate the magnetic field for position sensing also move the domain walls for revolution counting, eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent magnets serve dual functions: generating the magnetic field for angular position detection and moving the domain walls for revolution counting. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the device architecture despite adding non-volatile storage capability.
3Measurement precision
If a Halbach array magnet arrangement is used, then measurement precision is improved through enhanced magnetic field distribution, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a Halbach array configuration of permanent magnets with specific magnetization directions to create an optimized magnetic field distribution. The alternating magnetization patterns (e.g., North-South-North-South around the circumference) generate enhanced radial or tangential field components that improve signal strength and position resolution for the sensors.
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 reliable and economical operation with precise angular position determination and revolution counting, even during power outages, by integrating a Halbach array or cylinder for magnetic sensing and domain-wall memory for non-volatile data storage.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet arrangement comprises a plurality of magnets arranged in a form of a Halbach array around the axis, or the magnet arrangement is configured as a Halbach cylinder
Implementation Method 2
The magnet arrangement comprises a plurality of magnets arranged in a form of a Halbach array around the axis
Implementation Method 3
the position detector being configured to detect an angular position based on a rotation of the magnet arrangement relative to the circuit board
Implementation Method 4
DE 10 2022 106 330 A1 describes a magnetic measuring device for measuring an angular position, comprising a domain-wall memory as a multi-turn sensor. The domain walls thereof can be moved by one or two permanent magnets
Implementation Method 5
with a housing for interference shielding and a domain-wall conductor for non-volatile revolution storage
Implementation Method 6
using a magnetoresistive or Hall element
Data Source
AI summary
An angular-position measuring device, including a first component group and a second component group. The first component group and the second component group are arranged so as to be rotatable relative to one another about an axis. The first component group includes a position detector. The position detector is mounted on a circuit board. The second component group has a magnet arrangement. The magnet arrangement includes a plurality of magnets arranged in a form of a Halbach array around the axis, or the magnet arrangement is configured as a Halbach cylinder. The magnet arrangement is spaced apart from the position detector, the position detector being configured to detect an angular position based on a rotation of the magnet arrangement relative to the circuit board.