Magnetic Joystick Sensing With Quadrupole Rotation and 3D Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current joystick controllers require multiple position sensors for full three-axis control, leading to mechanical wear and complex assembly, while existing solutions for 3D joystick functionality with single position sensors are not fully realized.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system utilizing a single magnetic field sensor with a first magnetic source generating a quadrupolar field and a second magnetic source, allowing for rotation angle and 3D position detection by analyzing the superimposition field's components at multiple measurement locations, enabling robust and accurate angular detection and 3D functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple position sensors are used for full three-axis control, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and mechanical wear occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple position sensing functions into a single magnetic field sensor by using two magnetic sources (first and second magnetic sources) that generate distinct magnetic field contributions. The sensor detects the superimposition of these fields to simultaneously determine rotation angle and 3D position, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The single magnetic field sensor performs multiple functions: detecting rotation angle around the shaft axis and detecting 3D position (azimuth and elevation angles). This multi-functionality is achieved by analyzing different components of the magnetic field from two magnetic sources, allowing one sensor to replace what would traditionally require multiple sensors
2Measurement precision
If multiple position sensors are used for full three-axis control, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions into a single sensor unit, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation directly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining full three-axis control capability through the use of two magnetic sources with the single sensor
3Measurement precision
If traditional mechanical contact sensors are used, then measurement precision is achieved, but mechanical wear and reliability issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact sensors with a non-contact magnetic field sensing system. The magnetic field sensor detects the magnetic fields generated by the two magnetic sources without physical contact, eliminating mechanical wear and improving reliability while maintaining measurement precision for rotation angle and 3D position
4Device complexity
If a single position sensor is used for 3D joystick function, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using two distinct magnetic sources with different field characteristics (quadrupolar and dipolar fields) that create spatially varying magnetic field distributions. The single sensor analyzes the local field characteristics at different positions to accurately determine multiple angular parameters, compensating for the reduced number of sensors through enhanced field analysis
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 solution simplifies joystick design, reduces manufacturing costs, and eliminates mechanical wear by using a single position-sensing magnetic field sensor, providing accurate angular rotation and 3D functionality with enhanced robustness against thermal variations and mechanical drifts.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnetic source (2), rotatably mounted relative to the sensitive surface (10) and generating a first magnetic field contribution (Bm1) of at least quadrupolar order at the sensitive surface (10)
Implementation Method 2
a second magnetic source (3), pivotable to a plurality of source orientations with respect to the sensitive surface (10) and generating a second magnetic field contribution (Bm2) at the sensitive surface (10)
Implementation Method 3
The magnetic field sensor (1) is configured for detecting at least an in-plane component of a superimposition field of the generated first and second magnetic field contributions
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system and a joystick including the sensor system. The sensor system comprises a magnetic field sensor, and first and second magnetic sources. The first magnetic source is rotatable relative to a sensitive surface of the sensor and generates a first magnetic field contribution of at least quadrupolar order. The second magnetic source is pivotable with respect to the sensitive surface and generates a second magnetic field contribution. The sensor is configured for detecting at least an in-plane component of a superimposition field of the first and second magnetic contributions at a plurality of lateral measurement locations on the sensitive surface, obtaining measurements, and determining a rotation angle for the first source from the field gradient measurements and two angular directions for the second source from the field mean measurements. Lateral measurement locations are arranged into two pairs of diametrically opposite measurement locations with respect to the sensitive surface.