Magnetic Dipole Position Detection with Extension Yoke

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for detecting object position, such as RFID and magnetic marker systems, are limited to near-field ranges, making them impractical for applications like sports timing and animal monitoring, as they require precise positioning and often need a power supply and data connection, and struggle with multiple object detection and temporary setups.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic dipole system with an extension yoke made of ferromagnetic material, increasing the detection range from near-field to wide-field, allowing for decimeter to meter range coverage without a power supply or data connection, using commercially available magnets and sensors, and enabling multiple object detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If magnetic markers and sensors are used for position detection, then the system is simple and inexpensive, but the detection range is limited to near-field range of a few millimeters or centimeters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoiddetection range
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from near-field magnetic detection to far-field optical detection by changing the physical dimension of the detection field. The marker emits light that can be detected from a distance, eliminating the need for close proximity between marker and sensor while maintaining system simplicity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the magnetic field-based detection system with an optical field-based system. By using light-emitting markers and optical sensors, the system achieves extended detection range while maintaining the simplicity characteristic of magnetic systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Length of stationary object

If light barriers are used to extend detection range, then the detection range increases to decimeter or meter range, but the system requires permanent installation with power supply and data connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection rangeVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The marker serves multiple functions: it emits light for detection and simultaneously provides its own identification code. The sensor detects the light and automatically decodes the identification information, eliminating the need for external power supplies, data connections, or complex installation infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The marker combines multiple functions in a single component: light emission for range extension and encoded identification for object recognition. The sensor similarly combines light detection and identification decoding. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power and data infrastructure.

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

3Length of stationary object

If light barriers are used for sports timing, then the detection range is sufficient, but additional optical evaluations are required to determine which athlete crossed first when multiple athletes pass simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection rangeVSAvoidevaluation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each marker has a unique local quality in the form of an individual identification code encoded in its light emission pattern. This allows the sensor to distinguish between multiple markers simultaneously, enabling precise determination of which athlete crossed first without additional evaluation equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The marker provides immediate feedback through its encoded identification signal when detected by the sensor. This allows real-time identification of each athlete as they cross the finish line, enabling automatic timing and ranking without post-event analysis or additional optical evaluation systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Extent of automation

If RFID systems are used for position detection, then the system provides automated detection, but the detection range is limited to near-field range requiring precise positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection automationVSAvoiddetection range
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic induction-based RFID system with an optical detection system. The light-emitting marker and optical sensor provide automated detection similar to RFID but with extended detection range to decimeter or meter scale, eliminating the need for precise positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides a cost-effective, reliable, and flexible solution for detecting object position over a larger range, suitable for sports events and animal monitoring, without the need for permanent installations or power supplies, allowing precise timing and multiple object tracking.

Implementation Method 1

The magnetic field lines are extended and concentrated by a so-called extension yoke 7 for extending and focusing the magnetic field lines, which consists of a ferromagnetic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the extension yoke 7 for extending and focusing the magnetic field lines, which consists of a ferromagnetic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2718906B1System for capturing the position of an object
Publication Date: 2015.09.09 HUMOTION
  • EP2718906B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2718906B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2718906B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for capturing the position of an object, using a passive component, designated as a marker, and using an active component, designated as a sensor, which active component is provided with a power supply and an electronic circuit, wherein the marker and the sensor are moveable relative to each other by way of one component being attached to the object and being moveable together with the object and one component being provided in a spatially fixed position, and wherein the sensor, if the so-called capturing distance is less than a specific capturing distance, automatically detects the presence of the marker and produces a capturing signal, and wherein the marker is arranged in a spatially fixed position and the sensor is moveable together with the object and wherein the electronic circuit of the sensor has a time base and the time point of the capturing signal is automatically stored.