Integrated Magnetic Field Sensor Planar Design for Compact Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic field sensors, such as flux gate sensors, require significant space, lack reliability, and have insufficient accuracy and sensitivity, while also consuming high energy, making them unsuitable for various applications.
Innovation Solution
An integrated magnetic field sensor design featuring multiple sensor coils and a compact magnetic structure configuration, utilizing ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic materials with optimized hysteresis curves and shapes to enhance sensitivity and reduce energy consumption, allowing for precise magnetic field measurement with lower power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional flux gate sensor design is used, then magnetic field sensing capability is achieved, but device volume is large and space requirement is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional three-dimensional flux gate sensor geometry to a planar two-dimensional configuration. The magnetic core and coils are arranged in a flat, integrated structure where the magnetic core lies in a plane with excitation and sensing coils positioned above and below it, dramatically reducing volume while maintaining sensing functionality through optimized magnetic flux paths in the planar dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions and components into a single integrated planar structure. The magnetic core, excitation coils, and sensing coils are merged into one compact assembly rather than separate components, eliminating the need for additional support structures and reducing overall volume while improving reliability through integrated magnetic flux management.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional magnetic field sensor is used, then magnetic field detection is achieved, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic AC excitation current applied to the excitation coils to drive the magnetic core through cyclic magnetic saturation. This periodic action allows the sensing coils to detect external magnetic fields through modulation of the saturation cycles, achieving high measurement precision while consuming energy only during brief excitation pulses rather than continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes energy consumption by carefully selecting and adjusting parameters including excitation frequency, coil turn ratios, and magnetic core material properties. These parameter changes enable the sensor to achieve high measurement accuracy at lower energy levels by operating at optimal points on the magnetic hysteresis curve and minimizing resistive losses in the coils.
3Measurement precision
If conventional sensor design is used, then basic sensing function is achieved, but sensitivity and accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances sensing accuracy through local optimization of magnetic flux density distribution. The planar magnetic core geometry and coil positioning are specifically designed to concentrate magnetic flux lines in regions of maximum sensitivity, creating localized areas of enhanced magnetic coupling between excitation and sensing coils without requiring overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical adjustment mechanisms for sensitivity calibration with an integrated planar magnetic circuit design. The sensitive detection is achieved through precise magnetic flux path engineering in the planar structure rather than mechanical positioning or adjustment, eliminating complex mechanical components while maximizing measurement accuracy through optimized magnetic field geometry.
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
The integrated magnetic field sensor achieves high sensitivity and reliability with reduced energy consumption, enabling accurate magnetic field measurement in compact designs suitable for diverse applications, including those with moving or temperature-dependent sensed elements.
Implementation Method 1
By supplying the energizing coil with an appropriate AC excitation current, it is possible to bring the magnetic core into a series of cycles of magnetic saturation
Implementation Method 2
out of a high magnetic permeability of the magnetic material it will be driven into saturation, what means that the sensor coil will see a rectangular signal
Implementation Method 3
Sensing of external fields is obtained via a pair of sensing coils, generally set underneath the ends of the magnetic core
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring unit includes an integrated magnetic field sensor which includes at least one excitation coil and at least one sensor coil. Both coils are provided on one side of a first magnetic structure. The monitoring unit further includes a sensed element, which is associated with the integrated magnetic field sensor. The sensed element is suitable to alter the magnetic field of the integrated magnetic field sensor.