Magnetic Sensor with 3D MR Element Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic sensors with inclined magnetoresistive elements and soft magnetic bodies face challenges in reducing sensor size due to wasteful space created by the inclination of soft magnetic bodies, leading to increased size and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic sensor design that includes a plurality of resistor sections with magnetoresistive elements and structural bodies extending across multiple areas, allowing for the detection of specific magnetic field components while minimizing space and reducing sensor size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If soft magnetic bodies are inclined to detect perpendicular magnetic field components, then the magnetic sensor can detect Z-axis magnetic field components, but wasteful space is produced and the sensor size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. Multiple magnetoresistive element arrays are arranged in different layers (first array in XY plane, second array in XZ plane, third array in YZ plane), allowing detection of magnetic field components in three dimensions without requiring inclined soft magnetic bodies that waste space.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic sensor is divided into multiple independent magnetoresistive element arrays, each oriented in different spatial planes. This segmentation allows each array to detect specific magnetic field components independently, eliminating the need for inclined soft magnetic bodies and reducing overall sensor size while maintaining full 3D detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If magnetoresistive elements are arranged in a lattice pattern with inclined soft magnetic bodies, then specific magnetic field components can be detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using inclined soft magnetic bodies to achieve 3D detection, the patent uses multiple arrays of magnetoresistive elements oriented in different spatial planes (XY, XZ, YZ planes). This dimensional approach simplifies the structure by eliminating inclined soft magnetic bodies while maintaining the ability to detect all three magnetic field components with high precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If the longitudinal direction of magnetoresistive elements coincides with soft magnetic bodies, then manufacturing is simplified, but wasteful space is produced when soft magnetic bodies are inclined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple arrays of magnetoresistive elements oriented in different spatial planes rather than inclined soft magnetic bodies. This allows the longitudinal direction of magnetoresistive elements to remain simple and aligned with coordinate axes in each array, simplifying manufacturing while eliminating the wasteful space associated with inclined soft magnetic body configurations.
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 proposed design achieves a reduced size for the magnetic sensor by optimizing the arrangement of magnetoresistive elements and structural bodies, thereby enhancing efficiency and minimizing wasteful space.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic sensors using magnetoresistive elements have been used for various applications in recent years
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic field containing the component in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate can be detected by providing a soft magnetic body for converting a magnetic field in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate into a magnetic field in the direction parallel to the surface of the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic sensor includes a plurality of resistor sections each including a plurality of MR elements, and a plurality of protruding surfaces each structured to cause the plurality of MR elements to detect a specific component of a target magnetic field. The plurality of MR elements are disposed dividedly in first to fourth areas corresponding respectively to the plurality of resistor sections. The plurality of protruding surfaces include a structural body extending across at least two of the first to fourth areas.