Magnet-Based Movement Detection with Separate Wiegand Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Wiegand modules with a single wire provide insufficient electrical energy, limiting the complexity and range of applications, while modules with multiple wires generate broad or split voltage pulses, making it difficult to reliably determine movement parameters.

Innovation Solution

A magnet-based detection system utilizing two separate Wiegand modules - a power Wiegand module for generating electrical energy and a sensor Wiegand module for detecting movement parameters, optimized differently for their respective functions, with an energy storage arrangement to power the evaluation unit and additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single Wiegand wire is used in the Wiegand module, then the voltage pulse signal is sharp and reliable for movement parameter detection, but the electrical energy generated is insufficient to power complex components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of movement parameter determinationVSAvoidelectrical energy generated
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the Wiegand module into two separate modules: a sensor Wiegand module with a single Wiegand wire for reliable movement parameter detection, and a power Wiegand module with multiple Wiegand wires for generating sufficient electrical energy. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If multiple Wiegand wires are used in the Wiegand module, then the electrical energy generated is increased, but the voltage pulse becomes broad or split making movement parameter determination unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical energy generatedVSAvoidreliability of movement parameter determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the functions of energy generation and movement detection into distinct modules. The power Wiegand module uses multiple wires to generate sufficient electrical energy, while the sensor Wiegand module uses a single wire to generate sharp, reliable voltage pulses for accurate movement parameter determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each Wiegand module is optimized with different local characteristics: the sensor module uses a single wire with specific geometric dimensions for sharp pulse generation, while the power module uses multiple wires with different dimensions for maximum energy generation. This local optimization allows each component to excel at its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the detection system requires external energy supply, then complex components can be powered, but the system complexity and installation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of applicationsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is designed to be self-powered through the power Wiegand module, which generates electrical energy from the relative movement between the excitation unit and sensor unit. This internal energy generation eliminates the need for external power supplies, simplifying installation and enabling wireless applications while maintaining the ability to power complex components like evaluation units and wireless interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 system generates sufficient electrical energy to power complex components and reliably determine movement parameters, enabling a versatile and efficient detection system without external energy supply.

Implementation Method 1

Under the influence of an external magnetic field, e.g., the excitation magnetic field generated by the excitation unit, a magnetization direction of the at least one Wiegand wire and thus of the entire Wiegand wire arrangement changes relatively abruptly, causing a relatively short voltage pulse in the Wiegand coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWiegand effect: Wiegand Effect

Implementation Method 2

an excitation unit with at least one excitation magnet for generating an excitation magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4441512B1Magnet-based detection system for detecting a movement of a movable object
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 FRABA
  • EP4441512B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP4441512B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention is directed to a magnet-based detection system (10;10') for detecting a movement of a movable object (12; 12'), comprising: an excitation unit (16;16') with at least one excitation magnet (24;24') for generating an excitation magnetic field, and a sensor unit (18;18') with a power Wiegand module (30;30') configured to generate a power output signal if excited by the excitation magnetic field, a sensor Wiegand module (28;28') configured to generate a sensor output signal if excited by the excitation magnetic field, wherein a sensor Wiegand wire arrangement (34;34') of the sensor Wiegand module (28;28') is different from a power Wiegand wire arrangement (40;40') of the power Wiegand module (30;30') and/or a sensor Wiegand coil (32;32') of the sensor Wiegand module (28;28') is different from a power Wiegand coil (38;38') of the power Wiegand module (30;30'), an energy storage arrangement (44;44') configured to store electrical energy provided by the power output signal of the power Wiegand module (30;30'), and an evaluation unit (50;50') configured to evaluate the sensor output signal of the sensor Wiegand module (28;28') so as to determine at least one movement parameter, wherein either the excitation unit (16;16') or the sensor unit (18;18') is configured to be connected with the movable object (12;12') so as to co-move therewith and the other is configured to be arranged immovably. By providing separate Wiegand modules for powering the detection system and for sensing the movement of the object, each module may be optimized for its purpose. The power module may be arranged to deliver a high amount of energy, while the sensor module may be optimized to deliver short pulses with a precise timing.