Magnetic Azimuth Detector with Perpendicular Sensor Orientation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional magnetic azimuth detecting devices are large in size and require complex mounting processes, making them difficult to miniaturize and increasing production costs.

Innovation Solution

The device integrates three or more magnetic sensors and a control semiconductor on a circuit substrate, with the sensors divided into groups where the terminal forming surfaces of one group are perpendicular to those of another, allowing for closer arrangement within each group and reduced size, eliminating the need for additional substrates and simplifying the mounting process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If three magnetic sensors and control semiconductor are mounted on a circuit substrate using conventional methods with semimanufactured substrates, then the device can detect geomagnetic azimuths, but the device size becomes large and the mounting process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeomagnetic azimuth detectionVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the mounting of all three magnetic sensors (X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis) and the control semiconductor directly onto a single circuit substrate, eliminating the need for separate semimanufactured substrates. This consolidation reduces the overall device volume while maintaining the capability to detect geomagnetic azimuths in three dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes three-dimensional mounting arrangements where magnetic sensors are positioned at different heights and orientations relative to the circuit substrate. By employing vertical stacking and angular arrangements, the device achieves compact integration while preserving the spatial separation needed for accurate magnetic field detection across all three axes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If conventional mounting methods with multiple substrates are used, then magnetic sensors can be properly oriented, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic sensor orientationVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple mounting functions into a single circuit substrate platform, eliminating the need for separate semimanufactured substrates for each sensor. This reduces the number of assembly steps, materials required, and manufacturing operations, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining proper sensor orientation through integrated mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit substrate is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for all sensors, establishes electrical connections through integrated traces, defines spatial orientations, and enables thermal management. This multi-functional design simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If magnetic sensors are arranged with perpendicular terminal forming surfaces, then the device size is reduced, but the mounting process requires precise orientation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidterminal forming surface orientation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates pre-formed mounting structures and alignment features directly into the circuit substrate design before the sensors are attached. These pre-integrated guides,的定位 features, and oriented connection points enable precise perpendicular alignment of terminal forming surfaces during assembly, reducing the precision requirements during the actual mounting process while achieving compact device dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enables easy size reduction, cost-effective production, and improved reliability by allowing detection of geomagnetic azimuths with reduced influence from external magnetic fields, ensuring accurate azimuth detection even when tilted.

Implementation Method 1

These magnetic sensors 103 comprise Hall elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP1967862B1Magnetic azimuth detector
Publication Date: 2011.10.12 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD
  • EP1967862B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1967862B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP1967862B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

[Object] To provide a magnetic azimuth detecting device that can be easily reduced in size. [Solving Means] Three or more magnetic sensors 3 and a control semiconductor 4 controlling these magnetic sensors 3 are attached to and mounted on a surface of a circuit substrate 2, and the magnetic sensors 3 and the control semiconductor device 4 are encapsulated and integrated by an encapsulation member 5. The magnetic sensors 3 are divided into at least two groups, and the terminal forming surface or surfaces 6 of the magnetic sensor or sensors 3 of one group are disposed so as to be perpendicular to the terminal forming surface or surfaces 6 of the magnetic sensor or sensors 3 of another group.