6D Magnetic Position Sensor Using Passive NFC Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current displacement sensors can only determine positions in one dimension, limiting their application in 3D environments such as robot arms and machine parts where absolute mechanical positions and rotations between spatially separated objects are required.
Innovation Solution
A system using a microchip with magnetic field sensors and permanent magnets to detect absolute positions in 6 dimensions (3D space and 3 rotation angles) without a power supply, utilizing magnetic field measurements and mathematical models to calculate positions relative to the magnetic field sensors, allowing for passive operation and compatibility with commercial reading devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional displacement sensors (potentiometer encoders, strain gauges, inductive sensors) are used, then position measurement in one dimension is achieved, but 3D position determination and rotation measurement are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 1D position measurement to 6D measurement (3D position + 3D orientation) by using multiple magnetic field sensors arranged in space around permanent magnets. The magnetic field components measured by each sensor provide information about both position and orientation simultaneously, enabling full 6D measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field sensor system serves multiple functions: it measures 3D position (x, y, z coordinates) and 3D orientation (rotation angles) simultaneously using the same sensor array and magnetic field measurements, eliminating the need for separate sensors for different measurement dimensions.
2Measurement precision
If absolute position determination in 6 dimensions is implemented using magnetic field sensors and permanent magnets, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple magnetic field sensors into a single integrated measurement system that simultaneously measures all six degrees of freedom. The permanent magnets are positioned relative to the sensor array such that their magnetic field influences all sensors, allowing combined extraction of position and orientation data from a unified measurement set.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the permanent magnets and the sensors, transmitting positional and orientational information without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex mechanical linkages. This field-based mediation simplifies the physical structure while enabling precise 6D measurement.
3Ease of operation
If passive operation without power supply is implemented, then ease of operation and reliability are improved, but measurement functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system operates passively by utilizing the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnets alone. No external power supply or active electronics are required in the measured object; the magnetic field naturally emanates from the magnets and is detected by the sensors, enabling battery-free operation while maintaining full measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces active electronic sensing systems that require power with a passive magnetic field-based system. The measurement is achieved through the natural magnetic field interaction between permanent magnets and magnetic field sensors, eliminating the need for power-consuming components in the measured object.
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
Enables accurate, battery-free measurement of absolute mechanical positions and rotations in 6 dimensions, improving positioning accuracy and reliability compared to relative measurement methods, with the ability to be read using standard devices like smartphones.
Implementation Method 1
A system using a microchip with magnetic field sensors and permanent magnets to detect absolute positions in 6 dimensions
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for measuring the relative position and angles between two bodies (7, 77) to be measured. The invention is characterized in that it comprises one or more permanent magnets (6) and that the position to be measured is determined indirectly via a magnetic field. The magnetic field is detected by one or more magnetic field sensors (3), which are read by a microchip. A mathematical minimization method is used to calculate the position and angle of the permanent magnet system (6) relative to the magnetic field sensors (3). The energy required for reading the sensors can be obtained from the excitation field of a readout device. The sensor can operate without a power supply and can be read using standard readout devices, such as an NFC-enabled mobile phone.