Lorentz Force Velocity Sensor Using Planar Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems for determining the velocity of vehicles, especially in underwater environments, face challenges such as signal disruption, limited range, and inaccuracy, particularly when using GPS or active systems like radar and sonar, and require an alternative method for obtaining absolute velocity measurements without relying on the seafloor or surface references.
Innovation Solution
A planar sensor array comprising conductive channels formed in a substrate generates a voltage proportional to the velocity of the array moving through the Earth's magnetic field, allowing for independent velocity measurement using free charge carriers and a semiconductor substrate, which is sensitive enough to detect Lorentz forces in low magnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS or active systems like radar and sonar are used for velocity determination, then velocity measurement capability is improved, but signal disruption and interference occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active electromagnetic systems (radar, sonar, GPS) with a passive electromagnetic sensing system based on the Lorentz force effect. The sensor array detects velocity by measuring voltage generated from charge carrier motion through the Earth's magnetic field, eliminating the need for active signal transmission and avoiding associated interference and disruption issues.
2Measurement precision
If GPS signals are used for velocity determination, then velocity measurement is improved, but signal availability deteriorates in subsea environments
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system utilizes the Earth's magnetic field, which is naturally present and penetrates water effectively, eliminating the need for external satellite signals. The system serves itself by using an ever-present environmental resource (Earth's magnetic field) that is reliably available in subsea environments where GPS fails.
3Measurement precision
If inertial navigation systems are used for velocity determination, then velocity calculation is improved, but drift errors accumulate over time
Solution Approach 1:
The Lorentz force velocity sensor provides direct velocity measurements that can serve as feedback to correct drift errors in inertial navigation systems. By continuously measuring velocity relative to the Earth's magnetic field, the system enables periodic correction of integrated position data, preventing error accumulation over time.
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 accurate and independent velocity measurement relative to the Earth, without the need for active signals or proximity to the seafloor or surface, providing a reliable navigation system for vehicles in challenging environments with improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduced energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage is generated by the planar sensor array in response to a movement of the planar sensor array through a magnetic field. The voltage is proportional to a velocity of the planar sensor array moving through the magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A system, apparatus, and method for determining a velocity. A voltage is detected for a planar sensor array while the planar sensor array is moving though a magnetic field, wherein the planar sensor array comprises conductive channels formed in a substrate, wherein the conductive channels are connected in series, and wherein the voltage is generated by the planar sensor array in response to a movement of the planar sensor array through the magnetic field and wherein the voltage is proportional to a velocity of the planar sensor array moving through the magnetic field. The velocity of the planar sensor array is determined using the voltage detected for the conductive channels.